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Darien Lights Brigade Needs $150K To Reach Fundraising Goal

DARIEN, Conn. -- The race is on to help Darien athletes at all age levels to see the lights.

The Darien Lights Brigade needs to raise $150,000 by May 1 to reach its goal of $750,000 to have lights installed at the Darien High School football field this summer.

The Darien Lights Brigade needs to raise $150,000 by May 1 to reach its goal of $750,000 to have lights installed at the Darien High School football field this summer.

Photo Credit: Darien Lights Brigade

The Darien Lights Brigade Committee needs about $150,000 to fund the installation of lights at the Darien High School football field this summer. After years of debate, the Darien RTM approved in January four 80-foot lighting poles and a new public address system to be installed at the field.

The Darien Light Brigade expects the cost of the project to reach $750,000. It has raised $600,000, and needs to come up with the additional amount by May 1. If the committee does not raise the money, the project will be delayed until next year.

There are several events planned to help the committee reach its goal. Darien Social will host a guest bartending night on Thursday, March 23. On Thursday, March 30, Morley will offer a day of shopping followed by a cocktail party in which 156 percent of sales proceeds will go toward the fundraising efforts. Events are also planned on Saturday, April 1, at Joyride and on Thursday, April 20, at Shake Shack.

The Darien Light Brigade is a volunteer fundraising group that formed in October 2016 to raise money for state-of-the-art LED lights at the stadium. It is an extension of the Darien Athletic Foundation, which was created in 2012 to support Darien sports pgrams.

Darien is the only town in Fairfield County that does not have lights at its football field. The lights would ease overcrowding on fields, and would be available for use by a variety of leagues at all age levels.

The debate over lights at the football field has dragged on for a decade. Some neighbors near the school have fought the proposal, and fear that spillage from the lights will disrupt their quality of life.

The lights can be used until 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on Fridays. Each Darien varsity team will have the opportunity to play two late home games under the lights.

To support the Darien Light Brigade or to learn more about upcoming events, click here to visit its website.

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