Tony Calcia always believed every North Attleborough kid should experience the fun and excitement of the North Attleborough Summer Playground Program – and money should never be a barrier.
In this spirit and in Tony’s memory, former North Attleborough Parks and Recreation Summer Camp counselors held a memorable reunion, with over 20 rec alumni from the late 1980s through the early 2000s gathering at Angle Tree Brewery on Aug. 11 for a special fundraiser. The event was organized to raise money for the Tony Calcia Scholarship Fund, ensuring that local children have the opportunity to attend the department’s annual summer camp.
“We are so grateful for this organization for the continued support for the children of North Attleborough. Tony Calcia was a fixture in our community and we are honored to continue his legacy of helping families and children in need,” said Parks and Recreation Director Steven Carvalho.
The fundraiser, which brought together former camp counselors and supporters, raised $3,525 – and counting – to provide financial assistance for North Attleborough families in need. The scholarships will allow children to experience the joy and camaraderie that have been hallmarks of the summer camp program for decades.
A notable moment during the evening was a generous donation from special guest Bob Palagi of Palagi Brothers Ice Cream. Palagi has been a beloved figure at the summer camps for years and has long been a supporter of the Parks and Recreation Department. His continued involvement added a nostalgic touch to the event, reminding everyone of the community spirit that has long defined North Attleborough’s summer camps.
This event is part of an ongoing effort to honor the late Tony Calcia, former director of Parks and Recreation. A GoFundMe campaign was launched in his name, with a message inviting the community to contribute to a cause that was near and dear to Tony’s heart. The fundraiser, titled “I’m A Total Rec!,” calls upon former counselors and the public to celebrate the legacy of the summer camp program while supporting future generations.
The GoFundMe page reads: “This page was created to celebrate the glory days of our summer camps and, more importantly, to honor our amazing leader, Tony Calcia… Join us in keeping the spirit of our camp alive and supporting future generations! Let’s make a difference together.”
With plans to hold additional fundraisers and expand the group to include all past counselors who worked for Tony Calcia over the years, the North Attleborough Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Counselor Alumni group aims to continue making an impact.
“Just ask any rec counselor – It’s the best job we’ve ever had, and Tony was at the heart of it,” said Derek Folan. “This scholarship fund is a lasting legacy for Tony, and it will ensure the joy of rec camp and its incredible impact is available for all in our community. There’s nothing better than North rec camp. Tony is smiling.”
Those interested in contributing can visit the GoFundMe page by searching “I’m A Total Rec!” and help make camp a reality for children in North Attleborough.
For more information, or to make a donation, visit GoFundMe and search for “I’m A Total Rec!” to support this cause (https://gofund.me/37cff39a).
