Couple ‘humbled’ by Foley Award

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NAUGATUCK — In March,  Michael and Virginia Doxsey attended a University of Connecticut women’s basketball game in Bridgeport hoping for a victory.

That night UConn won and so did the Doxseys.

That was the night the Naugatuck couple was informed they were the recipients of the 2016-17 Raymond K. Foley Award.

The award is given by the Naugatuck Parent School Council and honors individuals or a group for demonstrating outstanding service and unselfish dedication to the betterment of Naugatuck children.

“We were very surprised that we had won,” Virginia Doxsey said. “We are really honored and humbled we were nominated for this.”

The Doxseys are involved in several local organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Peter J. Foley Little League, the Naugatuck High School marching band and Naugatuck YMCA.

Virginia Doxsey said the award means the couple hasn’t only had an impact on their children’s lives, but on the lives of children around the borough.

“It added to our experience as well as our own children’s experience,” Virginia Doxsey said of the years spent volunteering. “We are teaching our kids to give back to the community and how important it is to be an active part in the community.”

Virginia Doxsey said she and Michael became involved and volunteered in different activities as their children took them up. However, their service did not stop when their children stopped that activity.

Virginia Doxsey said she volunteered with a production by Western Elementary School’s theater even when her children were not in that year’s production.

“I had a good relationship with teacher so it just worked,” she said.

Virginia Doxsey, a Naugatuck native, said she first wanted to volunteer as a way to give back.

“I went through the school system and lived here my whole life. I wanted to give back to the community that has given to me,” Virginia Doxsey said.

The Doxseys will be honored May 9 at the Foley Award Dinner. The dinner is at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Room, 98 School St. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children. Tickets are available at the Board of Education office and at all Naugatuck public schools. May 2 is the deadline to purchase tickets. Tickets will not be available at the door. Full tables of 10 can be reserved by contacting Jennifer Kruge at 203-720-5242 or Jennifer.kruge@naugatuck.k12.ct.us, or Melissa Teator at mateator@gmail.com.