Highview Playground Build: Day 1 [VIDEO]

From ages 10 to 74, about 150 people came out to volunteer for Day 1 of the Highview Community Playground Build. There were 10 captains, each with their own small group of volunteers working under them and a Leathers and Associates representative was there to guide the site design.

The entire project is fundraised and built by community volunteers. Captains are volunteers that committed to being at the build site from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the five whole days, even if that means taking off of work. Here are your dedicated captains:

• Krista Vasti – Design Chair
• Dominick Caponigro – Build Chair
• Ed Dingman – Tools Chair
• Freddy Massa
• Sandro Bucci
• Joe Sr. and Joe Jr. Morahan
• Marty Girvan
• Scott & Catherine DuPlessis
• Mike Tesseyman

There is day care provided for parents and lunch and dinner for all volunteers. Even if you only have an hour to spare, just stop by and help. Kids from age 10-13 can work on the build site alongside a parent and age 14-17 can work by themselves without power tools. 18+ can use power tools if capable.

Here's a few words from the volunteers on Day 1:

"During the day, I watched from my office," said Highview Elementary Principal Barbara Auriemma; the school sits across the street from the playground. "I was amazed at how many people came out to help build this wonderland for our children."

"It's good to get my hours done (for community service)," said Andrew Hawkins, a Nanuet High School student. Many other students volunteered for the same reason. "It's good to be apart of something."

"(Building is) excellent because I love to work with my dad," said DJ Caponigro. "(The playground) It's looking pretty good today."

"I'm impressed," said Elementary Assistant Principal Anne Chen. "I was able to watch out the window all day and see it evolve. It's been very exciting."

There are still raffles being sold, $2 each. They can be bought at the Highview Playground Build Site at the volunteer sign in table. Raffles will be drawn on Saturday and Sunday.

Items to be raffled off include:

• Tulip Tree Bath Company baskets
• gift cards
• Dance lessons
• Waterpark tickets
• The Playroom gift certificates
• The Castle Fun Center
• New City Bowling and Batting
• Horse and Jockey Restaurant
• Outback Steakhouse
• Ski lift tickets
• NJ Jackals
• Rockland Boulders
• One hour family portrait