BERNARDSTON — For about 50 years, the late Bernardston resident Lillian Deane was devoted to ensuring The United Arc could provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
She served on The United Arc’s board of directors, a role which hit particularly close to home for she and her husband, Russell, as the couple’s late daughter, Nancy Lee, had Down syndrome.
Saera Hanlon, development coordinator with The United Arc, described Lillian Deane as “a powerful advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
“We miss Lillian’s presence in our community,” Hanlon said. “Lillian and her husband, Russell, were charter members of The United Arc, and have been steadfast supporters and generous donors to our organization ever since … We are honored to have her legacy intertwined with our history.”
When Lillian Deane died on Feb. 17, community members read her obituary. At the end, it states donations in her memory can be made to the United Church of Bernardston or The United Arc, which gave the Bernardston Kiwanis Club — of which Russell Deane is a member — an idea.
As part of the club’s regular chicken pot pie supper on Saturday, April 29, club members are donating the money raised through ticket sales to The United Arc.
“The boys picked that up and thought it would serve two purposes,” Russell Deane said. The club could donate to The United Arc, and honor Lillian Deane’s memory.
Kiwanis Club member Dan Devine said fundraising for The United Arc isn’t uncommon, but the club wanted to do something special for Lillian Deane.
“Every year, we do a little bit at Christmas time for children and their families,” Devine said. The club has also held pancake breakfast fundraisers for the organization in the past.
Devine said The United Arc has a wide reach in the community, leading residents to passionately support the cause.
“I think every member here knows someone who’s been involved with The Arc,” he said.
Lynne Bielecki, director of The United Arc, expressed her appreciation, explaining that any money raised would support financial and particularly transportation access to a greater variety of activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The United Arc deeply appreciates the initiative of the Bernardston Kiwanis Club in hosting a fundraiser on our behalf,” Bielecki said. “The United Arc thrives on the engagement and inclusivity of our communities.”
The supper will be held at the United Church of Bernardston, with two seatings at 5 and 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
“Our goal would be to sell out the event, which would be 200 tickets,” Kiwanis Club member Tom Mann said. One hundred tickets are available per seating.
“Even people who know they’re not coming might buy a ticket for the cause,” Russell Deane noted.
The dinner includes all-you-can-eat chicken pot pie and carrot cake for dessert. The Kiwanis Club also sells frozen pot pies for $12 each.
An eclectic collection of raffle prizes will be available to win, such as candles or scratch-off Lottery tickets.
“Instead of club members paying for dinner, we have them go out and grab $10 items,” Kiwanis Club member Andrew Girard said. “We end up with a whole hodgepodge of things.”
Tickets can be purchased at 7 South Bakery Cafe, or from any Kiwanis Club member including Russell Deane, who can be reached by phone at 413-648-9656.