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Date: 9/5/2022
MONSON – On Sept. 17, the Monson Lions Club will host a new fundraiser in the form of a toll road – like a toll booth – in front of the Senior Center.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the toll road will be set up between two crosswalks on Main Street. Kristine Duval, president of the Lions Club, explained that there are parking lanes on both sides of the road, however, there will be “no parking” signs and cones placed that people can safely continue on their way, if they do not wish to stop.
When a driver approaches the toll road, they will see posts that explain what the Lions Club is doing, along with a note to thank everyone at the end.
Curt Jameson, Lions Club member, said the cars only stop for about one minute – to make a donation and receive a business card from the Lions Club. Duval added that the business cards have QR codes on them. By scanning the QR code, people can donate online if they prefer to do so.
She went on to explain that the majority of money raised from the toll road will go through the Lions Club District 33 Sight and Hearing Fund. While the club hosts several fundraisers each year, Duval said they primarily raise funds for sight and hearing.
Recently, the Monson Lions Club received a request from the Palmer Lions Club to assist a young man who is going blind. By doing so, Duval explained that the college student was able to go back to school with “cool devices” including a desktop magnifier, book reader and more. This is only one example of what the Lions Club is raising money for, she added.
The idea for the toll road fundraiser came from other Lions Clubs in Massachusetts. Duval said this is a “unique way to raise funds” and is hoping that this first-time event is a successful one.
When asked about a fundraising goal, Duval said the Lions Club has never really looked to raise a certain amount of money, but instead strives to do the best they can.
She noted that the toll road is a way to interact with neighbors and get the community involved. A few years ago, Monson’s Rotary Club disbanded. Now, Duval said the Lions Club is hoping to fill that void and take on some of the Rotary Club’s past events.
If all goes well with the toll road, the Lions Club expressed interest in hosting this event annually.
Duval noted that their club will also be at the Monson Food Truck & Music Festival on Sept. 24 offering free sight and hearing screenings.