By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer

(l to r) Melissa Byrne, Erin Stelmach, Lisa Bousbouras, Vincent Perrone, Denis Leary, Rep. Hannah Kane, Steve Vigeant, Art Dobson, Gayle Vigeant, Selectman Beth Casavant and School Committee member Jason Palitsch
Photo/Lifestyle Photography
Shrewsbury – For the fourth consecutive year, State Representative Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury, and Shrewsbury Selectman Beth Casavant have co-chaired a fundraiser showcasing the community’s “generous spirit of giving” to kick-off the Spirit of Shrewsbury fall festival. This year’s event, “Let Your Spirit Serve,” will benefit Veterans Inc.
On Sept. 21, $11,500 was raised when guests gathered at Ski Ward for an evening of music, courtesy of DJ Fire Chief Jim Vuona, cocktails and hors-d’œuvres provided by Struck Catering.
Proceeds from the event will support the new Clinical Stabilization Services program for male and female veterans needing substance abuse recovery and addiction treatment. It’s the first of its kind in the nation.
“I am grateful to the Shrewsbury community for their strong support of our veterans,” Kane said. “Veterans Inc. can help those patriots among us, who served our nation selflessly and get back on the road to recovery.”
Presenting sponsors included the Hannah Kane Charitable Foundation, the Law Office of Joseph J. Carigula and Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union; Spirit Sponsor was Smook Architecture & Urban Design, Inc.; and Veteran Sponsors were Alexi and Melissa Bobolia, Barbara Cantrell, Helen P. McLaughlin, Lamoureux Pagano & Associates and Steve & Gayle Vigeant.
The Host Committee included Jason Palitsch, Melissa Pride Fahs, Gayle Vigeant, Melissa Byrne, Art Dobson, and Veteran Members of the Shrewsbury Patrolman’s Union and veteran members of the Shrewsbury Firefighters Association.
“We have an incredible resource right here in our community and an obligation to make sure that Veterans Inc. gets the support they need,” Casavant said.
For more information, visit http://www.veteransinc.org.