Friends of OSD - FOSD

Enhancing the educational experience for OSD students.

You are here: Home / Past Events / “The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy” at The Pentacle Theater

“The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy” at The Pentacle Theater

By

Friends of Oregon School for the Deaf (FOSD) hosted a performance of “The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy” as a fundraiser on June 19, 2012 at the Pentacle Theater.

William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy (1862-1961), deaf himself, began his baseball career in 1886 at the age of 24. Later, at the end of his rookie year with the Washington Senators Hoy led the National League in stolen bases—an astonishing 82. He set a fielding record for the Senators that still stands. Hoy also played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox, among other teams.

The play, co-directed by Cherie Ulmer and Jeff Brownson, was about Hoy’s early entry into minor league baseball. It was peppered with rowdy players, a pioneering female reporter, a seasoned umpire and Hoy’s experiences, including lots of humor and poignant conflicts. “The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy” confronts us with our misconceptions about those who are different, highlights our desire to be understood and underscores the power of pursuing our dreams.

The play was interpreted, there was a display of OSD sports accomplishments, and there was a silent auction of baseball memorabilia and other items before the play and during intermission.

A great time was had by all and we had the opportunity to recognize Founding Member Jane Mulholland!

Our Mission

IMG_2702The FOSD mission and purpose is to support the enhancement of programs and services for students at OSD beyond the State’s funding responsibility*. The FOSD Board has identified four initiatives for which awards may be granted:  education, cultural activities, innovative programs and minor capital improvement projects.

Founded by a small group of dedicated people in 2006, FOSD was established to support the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD).  From that beginning, Friends of OSD has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer Board of Directors. In 2014, FOSD created an Advisory Council of 15 members.

The Friends of OSD Strategic Plan provides direction as the nonprofit continues to expand. We are proud to say that 95% of all grants and donations go directly to programs that benefit students.

*The State of Oregon is responsible for operating programs and services for the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). Federal case law establishes the expectation that special education services provided by a school be reasonably designed to ensure students make progress. Friends of OSD will not replace or supplant the responsibilities of the state.

Donate to FOSD

Learn More about Donations