Fundraiser for orphaned teen a success

Waterbury, Conn. (WTNH) - There was a big turnout Tuesday evening at a fundraiser for a Waterbury high school senior who lost both of his parents, and is now losing his home to foreclosure.

Andy Duval is a young man who has had a great deal of loss in his life, but he has not lost everything. Even with Tuesday night's fundraiser winding down, there were still crowds of people present.

Duval's mother died seven years ago, his older brother is now a marine stationed in California, and in August, he lost his father to diabetes.

"This year, it's just, it's been tough, I just do what I had to do," said Duval. "I had to become an adult at a young age and just pay bills and stay focused on school and football."

The team was right by his side at the fundraiser.

"We preach family, we preach those things on the field," said Patrick Russo, Wilby Football Coach, "and when you get a real life issue right in front of you, you have to step up."

The high school senior has been living alone since his father passed away, but he's kept it together and he has a plan.

"I'm gonna get through the year and then I plan on going to college for a couple of years," said Duval, "I want to be a career firefighter."

Duval is already volunteering with the Wolcott Fire Department, who attended the fundraiser in full force as well.

Duval has tried to keep up with the bills, but the family home is now being foreclosed on. That's where the Waterbury Police Activity League stepped in.

"We thought we could help," said Lt. Robert Cizauskas, "we do a lot of fundraising here and a lot of charity events and we have the facility and the ability and the network of people to get all the food."

The fundraiser included a big pasta dinner and a raffle. And one of the items offered at the auction was an autographed sweatshirt from Bill Cosby.

When News 8's Keith Kountz recently interviewed Cosby and he learned of Duval's plight, he immediately stripped off his sweatshirt, signed it, and donated it to the auction.

The fundraising total is not yet known, but the evening was about more than just the money. It was about showing one brave young man he is not alone.

"Yeah, it means the world to me just to know that people are here willing to help," said Duval.

If you would like to help send your donation to:

Andy Duval

c/o Waterbury PAL

64 Division St.

Waterbury, CT 06704

Checks payable to Andy Duval