WESTBOROUGH – Homemade blueberry scones heated on top of a barrel fire.
A small but sweet reward for spending the night in a tent to help raise funds for homeless children.
From noon on Saturday, March 2, to the morning of Sunday, March 3, John Bogaert and several volunteers spent “A Night in the Cold” in the Colonial Plaza parking lot on East Main Street.
For Eric Hammond, it was his first time staying overnight.
“I’ve always supported it,” he said.
Proceeds went to benefit Horizons for Homeless Children.
In the first few hours of the fundraiser, as rain began to move in, members of the high school’s Westborough Helps the Homeless Club held signs and encouraged drivers to stop by and donate.
“I think this will bring a lot of people in,” said Maggie Hanlon, a WHS senior and member of the club.
“It’s spreading awareness,” said club member Cayla Ehrlich, another WHS senior. “It’s a kind of interactive education.”
Balloons and some big signs also marked the spot where the fundraiser was taking place. Bogaert said between that and offering Venmo for online donations, “I’m trying to make it as easy as possible.”
A volunteer went to Cold Harbor Brewery that evening for the Petty Larceny concert. The band not only allowed the volunteer to solicit donations (via a laminated fact sheet with QR codes), the lead singer donated $50.
Although final numbers have yet to be posted, the weekend has raised at least $18,000. Donations will be accepted through the weekend at donate2homeless.org or https://www.facebook.com/donate/347191071461896/
Bogaert wanted to thank Todd Alexander for allowing the use of his property.
