Video Game Auction Raises Money For Newtown Scholarship Fund

By Tanjua Damon

A Christmas angel must have been with the Murtha brothers while they were in Kay-Bee Toys in Sand Hill Plaza right before Christmas because the three brothers found a Sony Play Station II, the one gift many gift buyers were looking to purchase this year.

Tim, Steve, and Dan Murtha called their mother, Mary Ann, when they found the Play Station. And Mrs Murtha bought the hot Christmas item in hopes of helping the Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) before the end of the year. Her oldest son, Tim, who had been working and saving to buy one, purchased his before the Christmas rush for the Sony invention. There has been a shortage of the games.

“[My sons] called me right away,” Mrs Murtha said. “I’ve been trying to get my name on a list to get one. But you couldn’t even put your name on a list.”

The Sony Play Station went up for auction on Star 99.9 in order to raise money for the NSA, which provides scholarships for recent high school graduates and others who are continuing their college education.

Mrs Murtha contacted Jim Morley, a member of the NSA, to figure out what to do with the Play Station II to help benefit the scholarship fund. Mr Morley contacted Steve Marcus of Star 99.9, in hopes that the radio station would be willing to do something to help the non-profit organization.

On Friday, Mr Morley spent two hours on the radio talking about scholarship funding and the relief it provides many who are trying to pay for college. The two-hour program set the stage for an auction for the Christmas item that many people were hoping to put under the tree.

“We’re really excited,” Mr Morley said. “It’s a nice hit for us at the end of the year.”

The Sony Play Station II, which usually goes for over $300, was purchased by a Bridgeport man for $2,200 Friday.

“I was so thrilled,” Mrs Murtha said. “The radio station did a beautiful job promoting scholarships. I appreciate the generosity of the radio station.”

NSA offers scholarships on a need basis. It was established in 1937 with a single scholarship of $50, according to Mrs Murtha. Over 60 scholarships are given annually to June graduates and continuing aid for undergraduate students. Over $150,000 in scholarships are awarded, with 98 cents of every dollar going to the scholarships.