PHOTOS: Pioneer Cheerleaders' Fundraiser

Note: The following is a reader-submitted announcement with photos...

Dinner was easy Wednesday night September 28, as over 150 guests crowded into the Giggles Room at Prince Pizzeria, Saugus, in support of the Cheerleaders. Support spanned many teams and squads including Lynnfield Youth Football and Cheering, the LHS Girls Volleyball team and the entire LHS Football team. Groups of alumni from all over New England, congregated throughout the event, supporting the squad, their former school and reconnecting.

Everywhere hot cheesy pizzas were shared, as guests competed for over 20 highly coveted and one of a kind raffle prizes. A silent auction for $100 worth of lottery tickets invited participation from adults only. Congratulations to LHS alum Deb Visco who traveled down from North Andover to outbid on and claim her prize - no word on her winnings yet.

This was fun for a cause. The event was created to raise funds to help offset the cost of music and choreography crucial to winning competitions. The cheer squad’s first fundraiser was washed out by Hurricane Irene, so the success of this event was even more crucial. This season, LHS Cheerleaders will compete in their first major competition for the Cape Ann League on November 3, at Triton Regional High School in Byfield.

Speaking on behalf of the cheerleaders, Captains Bridget Yahoodik and Giana Grimaldi expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support. "With generous donations of over 24 raffle items and the great number of people who took time out of their hectic lives to help, we are so much closer to our goal. A big cheer and our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to make our fundraiser a success."

The Captains went on to thank Prince Pizzeria for the excellent food, friendly, professional service that set the right tone for family fun, and promoting the Cheerleaders' “fun-raiser” on their Route 1 marquee. But most importantly their generous contribution of 25% of the food bill puts the squad that much closer to their next competitive win.

What's next on the girls' busy schedule? Look for a collaboration between the Lynnfield Historical Society and the LHS Cheering squad to benefit both organizations. The squad will be selling handmade blue and golf Pioneer Spirit Scarves for $10 at upcoming football games, and the Historical
Society's Country Store on December 3, at the old Meeting House.