Marlborough – The continuing support of businesses and residents in the community contributed once again to the success of the annual Evening of Giving held in early December at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel. Committee members of the event that raises funds for Roland’s House, the Marlborough-Hudson Homeless Shelter, gathered at the Wayside Inn Feb. 13 to finalize results. Chair Bob Kays presented a check for $38,000 to Susan Gentili, director of the Continuum of Care and Services for the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), supervisors of the Mechanic Street, Marlborough, operation.
Over the past 26 years, the event has raised more than $750,000 to support housing and rehabilitative services to local men who are in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse and those who are also dealing with mental and physical health issues. The funds also provide management support to help participants access the community-based resources necessary as they transition to independent and stable housing and enhanced self-sufficiency, according to Gentili. More than one-half of the guests move each year from the shelter into SMOC Sober Housing where they continue to receive support as needed, she said.
Kays extended a special thank you to local Chef Leon Roberge for his services at the popular raw bar and for his creative ice carvings that graced the courtyard. He also extended thanks to David and Darlene Welch, owners of Minuteman Press, for printing services. Music for the evening was provided by DJs Dave Woodard and Matt Ruffing.
Food stations for the Evening of Giving were under the chairmanship of Ivette Mesmar. They included the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Culinary Department, the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Bolton Street Tavern, Buffet Way, Checkerboards, Classic Pizza II, Courtyard by Marriott, Dino’s Trattoria, Embassy Suites Hotel, Firefly’s, Fish, Funky Murphy’s, Halfway Café, Horse Shoe Pub, Kennedy’s Market, Kennedy’s Pub, Ken’s Foods, LongHorn Steakhouse, Marlborough Country Club, Marlboro House of Pizza, Olive Garden, Price Chopper, Starbuck’s, Stevie’s Restaurant, Trombetta’s Creamery, Vin Bin, Welly’s, Wildwood Steakhouse, The Wayside Inn and Zarape’s.