By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Mayor Arthur Vigeant is extending an invitation to residents and friends to attend the Mayor's Charity Ball and “Run for the Roses,” Saturday, May 5, the same day the Kentucky Derby will be held. The theme will be obvious as people congregate at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel at 7 p.m.
Co-chairs Bob Kays and Linda Ossing promise an evening of fun, including tasty hors d'seuvres, sumptuous desserts, coffee, dancing to the music of Insufficient Funds and popular DJ Matt Rufkin, and a silent auction offering many significant prizes.
All proceeds from the event are placed in the Mayor's Charity Relief Fund, which has assisted city residents in need of a helping hand during emergencies and difficult times – for rent or utility bills, food and clothing for families affected by unemployment or other similar financial circumstances and conditions such as a fire in the home. The Mayor's Ball is the only source used to replenish this fund to help neighbors in need.
The Mayor's Charity Relief Fund was established in 1960 with proceeds from then Mayor Kuson J. Haddad's first Inaugural Ball. Recipients must be residents of the city and must initiate a request for help through the Human Services Department, which conducts interviews to determine qualification. Recommendations are then forwarded to the mayor for final approval. Applicants can be served only once per year, and accurate records are kept to ensure proper procedures are followed.
A highlight of the evening will be the mayor's announcement of the Humanitarian Award, given to a deserving city resident who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving and enriching the lives of their friends, neighbors and greater community. In 2010, Mayor Nancy Stevens presented the special award to Lynn Faust, who was recognized for her acts as a volunteer at the First Baptist Church, and for helping the Food Pantry, the Boys & Girls Clubs, veterans, seniors, the homeless and nursing homes.
Tickets for the event are $40 per person, $400 a table of ten. Tickets may be purchased through the Mayor's office at 508-460-3770 or by calling Ossing at 508-243-5628 or Kays at 508-981-2960.
Other members of the committee are: Michael Berry (the mayor's executive aide), Kathie Sullivan, Penny Kahn, Christine Seymour, Ivette Mesmar, Jose Mesmar, Scott Duplisea, Jean Flynn, Gretta Holland, Wendy Butler, Susan Vigeant, Donna Barberio, Deb Roberts, Anne-Marie Kelley, Carol McCombs, Christine Bastien, Dave Walton, Greg Mitrakas, David Bouvier, Jim Hickey, Doug Rowe, Mary Ann Giroux, Iris Ferrcchia, Jim Petkewich, Ken Skehill, Pam Narahara and Scott Belanger.
