"Bear" of a Fundraiser for Progin Family

Hillsborough High School alumnus and volunteer baseball coach Eric Eden knows how to organize a bear of a fundraiser.

The Newark Bears pitcher helped organize a fundraiser in support of Hillsborough Basketball Coach Ian Progin and his family this Friday (July 29), when the Bears take on the Brockton Rox. A portion of the $10 ticket costs will be donated to the Progin family.

"I'm super excited to be a part of it,” Eden said. “His (Progin’s) first year as coach was my sophomore or junior year of high school, and I met him and he was coaching and teaching over there.”

The $10 tickets can be purchased at the Bears’ Riverfront stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark.

The fundraiser reflects the attitude of many coaches, parents, students and alumni who know Progin, according to Athletic Director Mike Fanizzi.

“He just felt he needed to do something for Coach Progin,” Fanizzi said. “If you have been around our athletic department, we are one big family.”

Eden approached the Newark Bears owners, asking the husband and wife team about hosting the fundraiser for the Hillsborough coach, guidance counselor and resident.

“He's a great guy,” Eden said. “He's done a ton for the community and it is great for the town to come together for him. It's got to be hard for him and his family, and I feel fortunate that I'm in a position where I can do something to help."

The owners agreed to the fundraiser, and offered to donate a portion of the ticket price to Progin’s Players, the charity group raising money for the family. Fanizzi could not say what percent of the ticket sales would be donated, but noted the donation was “very generous”.

Eden will be the starting pitcher at the game.

In addition, game attendees will be able to meet the Bears’ coaches, former major leaguer Tim Raines, and Yankees catcher Jim Leyritz.

The support—which is also reflected by the Progins’ Players fundraising group, and other fundraisers happening in town—simply reflects the compassion and concern Progin has for other people.

“This is what happens when you are a good person,” Fanizzi said. “People will come out to support you in your time of need.”

Those who can't make the game can also donate to the Progin family online, via http://www.infaspire.com/proginsplayers/donate.html .

Patch contributor Pat Pickens contributed to this report.