SPRINGFIELD - More than 150 friends and colleagues of the late Springfield School Committeeman Michael P. Rodgers raised more than $5,000 in advance of Wednesday night's scholarship fund-raiser in his honor at the Cedars Banquet Hall.
It was a fitting, but not surprising tribute to Rodgers, who worked with kids as a mentor, tutor and coach, said Springfield City Councilor Timothy Rooke, who grew up with Rodgers in the city's Hungry Hill neighborhood.
"People called me who couldn't make the reception, but wanted to drop off a check," said Rooke, one of the organizers of the event co-chaired by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and Schools Superintendent Daniel Warwick.
Rodgers, died at the age of 53 on Dec. 16, 2012, after a brief illness.
Rodgers wife, Dawn, and his two children, Kayleigh and Michael, attended the event.
The scholarships in Rodger's honor will be awarded to Springfield high school graduates who are heading on to college in the fall. The scholarships are awarded through the Springfield School Volunteers.
Rodgers was employed for more than 30 years by the telephone company and retired as an account executive with Verizon.
Following Rodger's death, longtime friend Warwick said: "He was the best friend anyone could ever had. He was the most loyal, honest and caring person I ever met."
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