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Line Dance-A-Thon will benefit Children's Hospital

By Lori O'Brien

Correspondent



SPRINGFIELD A nightly tradition at the Texas Roadhouse is line dancing so it seemed only natural to incorporate it into a fund-raiser.

The Texas Roadhouse Line Dance-A-Thon, a benefit for Baystate Children's Hospital, is planned Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is open to the public.

"Our staff will be line dancing for four hours straight," said Michelle Fairman, marketing manager, Texas Roadhouse. "They will be collecting pledges from family and friends to support their four-hour stretch."

Fairman explained during an interview with Reminder Publications that the Texas Roadhouse is a community oriented company that is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. The dance-a-thon is a follow-up to last year's event which was done in the memory of a 10-year-old boy named William who passed away on July 29, 2005 from a brain tumor.

"William's parents are still very much a part of our family at the Texas Roadhouse," said Fairman. "William spent most of his time at Baystate Children's Hospital and we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give back to the hospital where William spent his last few months."

Baystate Children's Hospital, located within Baystate Medical Center, is a 110-bed facility that provides advanced medical care to babies, children and adolescents.

Fairman added that in 2005 the Texas Roadhouse conducted a fund-raiser in William's name and gave the money to Baystate Children's Hospital. They have also dedicated his favorite booth to him called "William's Table" by placing a plaque and his picture.

A conservative goal of $20,000 has been set for the fund-raiser and Fairman is hopeful that area residents can make that happen. RE/MAX Teamwork Realty from East Longmeadow is co-sponsor of the event and will match all donations up to $5,000.

"All residents from all areas should attend this event," she said. "Your $10 donation includes lunch, a host of activities and, of course, line dancing. Anyone can join in on the fun."

The Texas Roadhouse luncheon for adults will include cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and grilled chicken salad. Food choices for young people include cheeseburgers, hot dogs and mac and cheese. All lunches include a beverage and all entrees are accompanied with French fries except the salad.

Activities for children include face paintings by Girl Scouts, balloon character creations from Fritz the Clown, giveaways by the Small Smiles Dental Clinic and Safe Kids, karate demonstrations from the U.S. Academy of Martial Arts of East Longmeadow, and a visit by Jeffery the Giraffe from Toys R Us. In addition, the Springfield Fire Department is expected to bring along Sparky the Dog and a 911 simulator will be available for children to learn to call 911.

The Texas Roadhouse is located at the Allen and Cooley Plaza. For more information on the fund-raiser, contact Fairman at 782-8100.