Texas Roadhouse will boot, scoot and boogie for fundraiser
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(top row, left to right) Kerry McCarthy, Carly Atkinson, Cindy Boucher, Diane Santana and Chelsea Zalewski; (middle row) Denise Wessig, service manager, Joy Abbott, Michael Schoen, Nicole Lombardo, Kate Dion, Sherleen Alequin and Erika Martinez and (bottom row) Molly Croken, door coordinator and P.J. Bouchard. Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepalek
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By Lori Szepalek
Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD For the fourth year, employees of the Texas Roadhouse will line dance for four hours to raise money for Baystate Children's Hospital as well as offer a smorgasbord of tempting treats and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
"Texas Roadhouse chooses to help the Baystate Children's Hospital every year because it is so important to help our community's children," Michelle Fairman, store marketer, Texas Roadhouse, said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "Children are our future, and how incredible does it feel knowing that you've helped a family maybe cope with their child's illness, helped make a miracle for a child, or have given a second chance at life to a child?"
Fairman noted that her organization "loves to give back" to community endeavors, especially Baystate Children's Hospital.
Baystate Children's Hospital, located within Baystate Medical Center in the city, is a 110-bed facility that provides advanced medical care to babies, children and adolescents. The hospital offers critical care programs, pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care units.
The public fundraiser is slated for Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the restaurant at the Allen & Cooley Plaza. All proceeds raised from the Line Dance-A-Thon will benefit the hospital.
Area residents stopping in for lunch will have a smorgasbord to choose from, including pulled pork sandwiches, homemade cheese-burgers, grilled chicken salad, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and fresh-baked bread. All lunches also include a beverage.
"We wanted to give the community an opportunity to have lunch at the Texas Roadhouse during the week when we are normally closed for lunch," Fairman said. "So many people ask why we are not open for lunch during the week, so this is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come out and have a legendary lunch."
For persons unable to stay for the event, to-go orders can be placed that day prior to noon by calling 782-8100.
Entertainment in addition to the line dancing will include a live broadcast by WMAS 94.7, show cars on display, Andy the Armadillo, arts and crafts, face painting and free balloon characters. Line dancers lined up for the fundraiser include Fairman, Molly Croken, Denise Wessig, Terrell Joyner, Carly Atkinson, Kerry McCarthy, Cindy Boucher, Chelsea Zalewski, Joy Abbott, Michael Schoen, Nicole Lombardo, Kate Dion, Sherleen Alequin, Erika Martinez, P.J. Bouchard and Diane Santana.
Fairman said this year's fundraising goal is $12,000, which would put their four-year total to $50,000.
"This goal wouldn't be possible without the four-year commitment from REMAX Realty with a four-year total of $20,000 to Baystate Children's Hospital as our corporate sponsor," Fairman said. "We also brought on a new $1,000 sponsor, LUSO Federal Credit Union, this year. I thank everyone for their support."
Fairman encouraged area residents to turn out for the fun event which also will help local children.
"No child asks to go to the hospital," she said, adding, "No child asks to be sick. What would you do, if it were your child that needed the care of Baystate Children's Hospital? We as a community need to come together and support our most treasured gift children."
Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for children under 12, and includes lunch, beverage and entertainment.
For more information, contact Fairman at 262-9917.
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