Law Firm Donates Money Toward New Dugouts

Budd Larner, P.C., a 75-attorney law firm based in Short Hills, has made a sponsor level donation to Friends of Caldwell Softball toward the purchase of new dugouts at James Caldwell High School.

The field is used by hundreds of young athletes from t-ball through varsity, including the Caldwell-West Caldwell Recreation, travel and school teams. 

“My firm and I are happy to support the much-needed facility upgrade,“ stated Peter Frazza, a partner with Budd Larner, in a press release.

Frazza, a Caldwell resident, has been a longtime volunteer softball and basketball coach for Caldwell-West Caldwell youth. Frazza’s two daughters grew up playing sports in town. They both went on to successful careers in college athletics in softball and tennis.

Budd Larner’s donation was made in response to The Rotary Community Challenge issued in June. The Rotary Club of the Caldwells pledged a gift to the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education to cover half the cost of constructing new dugouts, up to $20,000, if members of the community donated the balance. In response, a group of local parents, coaches and players formed “Friends of Caldwell” and began raising money to meet Rotary’s challenge.

“We’re extremely grateful to Budd Larner for their generosity and to Pete Frazza for his volunteer commitment to the community," stated Brandi Milano, Friends of Caldwell Softball. “It is through businesses and individuals like them that we’ll meet the Rotary Community Challenge and build new dugouts for our girls.”

Other businesses or individuals interested in helping the softball players acquire new dugouts can make a donation in person, online or by mail. Gifts of any amount are welcome and every dollar donated will help. Additional sponsorships are available and will be commemorated with an inscription on a plaque to be hung on the dugouts.

In addition, 6" x 9" engraved pavers can be purchased and personalized with up to four lines of text with 16 characters per line. These will be installed on the walkway leading to the field's bleachers.

Gifts can be made on line at www.dugouts.eventbrite.com or made in person or by mail to Friends of Caldwell Softball, c/o Valley National Bank, 15 Roseland Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006. "Friends of Caldwell Softball" has secured a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor, so all gifts may be considered charitable contributions. For more information, email Thefriendsofcaldwellsoftball@gmail.com.