ROGERS PARK — Sullivan High School's football program is in need of a Hail Mary and a concerned citizen took to social media to help them.
Boomer Berman, a Rogers Park citizen, created a GoFundMe account. He said a cousin who owns property in the neighborhood told him about the state of Sullivan's football team.
The goal is to raise $8,500. He says the football program is currently using outdated equipment.
"The helmet and shoulder pads are outdated. We thought we could raise money," Berman said. The momentum from the football team winning some games created an atmosphere for school spirit."
The GoFundMe account has raised $425 since it was created last week.
Berman, who grew up playing sports, also said that he wants to create group called "Friends of Sullivan."
"We saw how the rallying point was the sports program. Everyone is on board," Berman said. "Our main goal wherever Sullivan needs help, we want to crated a committee." We want help out the community. We want to make it a legit group."
Sullivan's football coach Calvin Clark says the current equipment isn't safe for the players to use.
"With helmets and shoulder pads, they have to to be certificated for the concussion protocols and for the safety of the children," Clark said. "Those shoulder pads were used 15-20 years ago. They aren't compliant with IHSA rules."
Sullivan is also in the running to win $10 million for the school for overall improvements.
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