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Correspondent CHICOPEE Every week night, almost 100 local residents find a smile and a hot meal at Lorraine's Soup Kitchen on Center Street. "We see families, the elderly and the homeless," said Lorraine Houle, director and founder of the soup kitchen, during an interview with Reminder Publications. Houle, a tireless advocate for helping the city's less fortunate who otherwise would go hungry without her soup kitchen, is hosting a charity dance on Oct. 12 at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive to raise funds to ensure those most in need will have at least one nutritious meal each week night. The fundraising event will feature the musical group Remember When, who will be performing an oldies/doo wop show from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Remember When members are Louise Provost, Len Chapdelaine and Bob Boutin, all lead vocals, Don Patruno, bass and vocals, Ray Paul, guitar and vocals, Hank Chase, sax and vocals, and Gary Jones, drums and vocals. "What makes our group stand out from many others is that we are fortunate enough to have seven lead singers and that gives us the opportunity to take on more challenging songs," said Jones. Jones is also a co-founder of the New England Doo Wop Society, based in Agawam. Tickets are $15 per person and all proceeds will benefit the soup kitchen. Tickets will be available at the door. Persons attending are also asked to bring a nonperishable food item. Recommended canned goods range from soups, peanut butter, jellies and spaghetti sauce to baked beans, vegetables in cans and ravioli. Cereals are also welcome additions to the canned goods. "We can stretch meals with these types of food items," added Houle. Houle also noted that the board of directors for Lorraine's Soup Kitchen is actively seeking a new location since the lease is up at the end of September on Center Street. "We have a place in mind but it won't be ready until spring," said Houle. In the interim, Houle added that the current owners of 35 Center St. have indicated to her they will not evict the soup kitchen program. Area residents unable to attend the charity dance but who would like to make a monetary donation can send checks to Lorraine Houle, c/o Lorraine's Soup Kitchen, 35 Center St., Chicopee, MA 01013. For more information on the charity dance, contact Houle at 592-9528, Lynn Houle at 538-6048, or Claire Pouliot at 592-2007. | ||||||
