By Jane Keller Gordon, Contributing Writer
Grafton – The late Winnie Paul, one of the founders of Friends of the Grafton Elders (FOGE, pronounced fou-gee), will be honored at a fundraising luncheon celebrating the group’s 35th birthday. Sixteen members of Paul’s family plan to attend the event, which will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, starting at 12 p.m., at Hunter’s Grille & Tap at the Grafton Inn, 25 Grafton Center.
Paul, who died last October at the age of 96, was an active volunteer in Grafton throughout her life. She spent 16 years as a member of Grafton’s Council on Aging, for which FOGE raises funds.
In 1981, Paul and Grafton residents Shirley Antaya, Joan Fanning, George Fougere, and Frank Ragini each contributed $10 to fund the application for FOGE’s nonprofit (501(3)(c) status. Local attorney Anthony Toscano filed the papers.
FOGE’s mission is to, “… help ensure that all of Grafton’s Senior Citizens can enjoy a good quality of life… by providing financial support for various senior programs.”
Marsha Platt, chair of FOGE’s board, said, “We are here to help seniors in Grafton manage to stay in their own homes. The (Grafton Senior Center) staff identifies need, and we provide support.” She noted that for several months, FOGE was able to help pay the mortgage of a Grafton senior who fell prey to a scam.
FOGE also sponsors numerous programs at Grafton’s Senior Center. Barbara Connelly, the center’s director, said, “If someone comes to us with a need (such as fuel assistance), we can refer him or her to FOGE… They help us hold certain events, such as bingo and sponsored trips. They’ve paid for computers, and sponsored free medical van rides.”
“They pay for eight exercise classes per week, which usually have 30 to 40 seniors in each class,” she added.
The Oct. 16 luncheon is part of a development plan to raise more funds for FOGE. Tickets, which are $50, may be purchased until Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the Grafton Senior Center or by emailing [email protected].
During the luncheon, there will be speakers from FOGE, Grafton’s Council on Aging, Community Nursing Association, senior center, food bank and police department.
There will also be a cash bar, and raffle prizes from Perreault Nursery, Floral Elegance, Wong’s Restaurant, Grafton Liquors, Valley Liquors, Post Office Pub, Red Rock Grill & Bar, Mike’s Mobil, Super Cuts, Breakfast at Stephanie’s, Trader Joe’s and 5 Star Liquors.
Corporate sponsors of the luncheon include Unibank, Washington Mills, Gaudette Insurance, Homefield Credit Union, and Millbury National Bank.
FOGE Board Member Heather Trudell commented, “This is our first attempt to have a major fundraiser. We have been fortunate to fund programs with donated money, including through someone’s will. But we need to have a development plan to sustain FOGE. We hope that this luncheon will be an annual event.”
The group is also selling tickets now for a cash raffle for drawings that will be held during the month of February. Each day during that month there will be a chance to win a certain amount of money according to Trudell. The $10 tickets may be purchased at the Grafton Senior Center.
FOGE is also planning a fundraising yard sale in the spring; the date will be announced.
Trudell emphasized the importance of multigenerational support of FOGE. She said, “It’s important that children who are helping their parents stay at home, get involved in programs like FOGE.” The board is looking for new members, including a treasurer.
FOGE’s annual membership starts at a $10 tax-deductible contribution, which can be directed to the general, heating fuel assistance, exercise program or special projects funds.
Businesses donations to FOGE may be directed to a specific project, such as fuel assistance or van rides.
For more information about FOGE visit www.fogeinc.org. Email [email protected] about luncheon tickets, yard sale contributions, February raffle tickets, and business donations. The website has a form for seniors who wish to request assistance. Seniors may also contact staff at the Grafton Senior Center.