RAH getting ready to host their fifth annual St. Patrick's Day party fundraiser

Date: 3/8/2010

March 8, 2010

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



HAMPDEN - On March 17, revelers across the nation will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day, but in Hampden the celebration will start a little early.

The Recreation Association of Hampden (RAH), a non-profit organization that supports youth programs in town, will be hosting its Fifth Annual St. Patrick's Day Party fundraiser at the Hampden Country Club on March 13 from 6 p.m. to midnight.

"We use the money we raise to support Parks and Rec," Dave Turcotte, president of RAH, said. "We're like a booster club."

Turcotte explained that for the past few years, RAH had been focusing on the baseball program, fixing backstops and dugouts and supplying equipment. This year, the group has a few other projects in mind.

New projects could include a new scoreboard at Thornton W. Burgess Middle School, work at the Memorial Park playground and spray park, helping out the girls softball program in the same way they helped the baseball program or creating a tennis court for the town again.

"Something like the tennis court could take a few years to fund, but I've heard several people tell me they want one," Turcotte said.

He added that he's seen recreation programs grow in Hampden since RAH started aiding the Parks and Recreation Department. "There's more options, the equipment is better - there's more interest," he noted.

The St. Patrick's Day Party is one of three fundraisers RAH hosts. The others are a pig roast, which the group hosted for the first time in October, and a 5K run they're planning for April.

Dancing with DJ Pat Farrow from P&M Entertainment, a buffet-style dinner and a large raffle will be featured at the St. Patrick's Day Party. Over 30 items are up for raffle, including a TV, a BluRay player, gift certificates to local restaurants, Red Sox, Patriots and Yankees tickets, wines and more. A 50/50 raffle will also take place.

Tickets are $30 each and are available at the door, by calling Dave Turcotte at 566-1170, Heather Ostrander at 566-5546 or Fred Frangie at 566-8820, or by e-mailing rah@hampden.org in advance.

"This is a great way to support activities for our children in town," Turcotte said.

More information on RAH can be found at www.hampdenrec.com.