Harry Laye Tribute Night – “50/50 Guy” Gives 100% to Lexington

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O ver 200 friends, family members, and well-wishers gathered recently at the Lexington Knights of Columbus Heritage Hall to pay tribute to Harry Laye. For decades, Harry has been a fixture at the center of sporting events, community events, and special celebrations. As a Lexington High School athletics booster, he has been collecting donations for the football, basketball, and hockey programs for generations. As the ‘50/50 guy’, Harry has literally collected tens of thousands of dollars to support athletic booster programs in Lexington. He was termed the ‘50/50 guy’ because, over the years, he has sold 50/50 tickets at countless football, basketball, and hockey games. The 50/50 fundraiser awards 50% of the proceeds to the winner at each game, the other 50% helps defray the costs of the various programs.

Harry Laye is also well known as Harold the Clown. He has entertained kids every year for generations at the annual Lions Club Fourth of July Carnival. Harry has also been known to act as Santa for the annual tree lighting ceremony during the holidays and at the Lexington Rotary Club annual members’ holiday parties.

One after another, speakers stepped to the podium to poke some fun at Harry, and to pay tribute to a man who has served this town so well for decades. Among those heaping praise on Harry were former LHS head basketball coach Bob Farias, former head football coach Bill Tighe, current head football coach George Peterson, Lions Club treasurer Doug Lucente, Colonial Times publisher and Rotary Club vice president Jim Shaw, Chuck Shaw, Jenna Busa, LHS assistant football coach Brian Adley, Nick Santosuasso, and Jim O’Keefe.

It was an incredible night saluting a man who has dedicated himself to serving the community in a profound way. With his wife Alice by his side, Harry sported a tricorne hat presented to him by the Lexington Lions Club. Standing next to his iconic 50/50 bucket, Harry Laye greeted dozens and dozens of well-wishers at the evening’s end.

Thank you Harry for your years of service. You truly are a community treasure.

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