In 2010, the RAA launched a scholarship program to recognize past players in the RAA to assist them with their expenses in their college education. These scholarships are awarded on a number of criteria including an essay. To receive more information about scholarships please email the RAA President.
In 2011, we have chosen to rename the scholarship to "The RAA Sports/David Anderson Memorial Scholarship" to honor David Anderson's memory. His attitude embodied what the RAA board believes - hard work and putting the kids first. Following is a press release that coincided with the dedicated bulletin board.
Many families involved with Riverview Athletic Association will never forget David Anderson. There had been a bulletin board located at Riverside Park dedicated to the memory of David Anderson years ago. The bulletin board had fallen under disrepair, so the current RAA Board members suggested inclusion of David's name on the the annual scholarship.
Now, there will also be a physical reminder of David L. Anderson and all that he did for the association.
RAA dedicated a new community events display case in memory of Anderson, in a ceremony attended by his family, members of the RAA and area residents. Anderson, of Oakmont, was diagnosed with leukemia last year and passed away in February. The former vice president and treasurer of the athletic association was remembered at the ceremony for the countless hours he spent volunteering for the betterment of RAA and the children it served.
He was a hard-working husband and the father of three small children, but always managed to find the time to help coach, manage or serve as umpire for a baseball or T-ball team. He was also a referee for basketball games during the winter. Anderson "had a limitless amount of energy, and was dependably enthusiastic about any activity," said RAA President Mike Federici. Even when Anderson's children were too young to be involved in sports, Federici explained, he had a desire to help in any way he could.
"He was a tremendous volunteer in the organization and in the community," Federici said. Whenever or wherever there was a need, "Dave was always the first one to grab his gear and go."
Federici found out the depth of his friend's commitment one Friday night after 11 p.m., when Anderson talked him into helping him pump out the puddles on the ball fields after a heavy rain, because he was worried that the next day's games wouldn't get played. "We went out and rolled up our pants and pumped the water out." The two men spent the next day tired, but gratified, when all of the games got under way - and on time.
Anderson was also largely responsible for organizing the summer and winter season game schedules, a daunting task that for several years has required the use of computer software.
Almost 600 children, 5 to 16 years of age, are involved in the RAA for T-ball, baseball and softball in the summer, and about 300 participate in basketball in the winter. Anderson regularly stayed up until 3 or 4 in the morning working out the schedules on his home computer, said Federici. The young father's work as a Systems Analyst at UPMC gave him the necessary computer expertise. "He was always prepared to commit time and energy for whatever needed to be done."
The RAA board of directors felt it was appropriate to honor his memory and show a gesture of appreciation back to his family, according to Federici. The display case will also show the community what he meant to the association. Memorial donations from the community helped purchase the case. The association pitched in for the rest of the money needed for the six-foot-long and four-foot-tall brushed brass and aluminum case. There are two large glass doors, behind which are black panels where community events will be listed. On the left side are white letters that will spell out schedules and events. On the right side is a black cork board where push pins can be used to post announcements. The gold, black and white colors of the case are also the colors of the RAA.
