ERVING — Local families and what Gill-Montague Regional School District Superintendent Brian Beck called “a ridiculous number of businesses” pitched in for Turners Falls High School’s Ukraine benefit fundraiser at French King Bowling Center on Sunday.
Beck said teenage helpers from Active Bystanders, the school’s student service group that organized the event, showed up early and eager to set up the day’s donation table Sunday morning. By the time they had everything arranged, there were 27 raffle prize baskets from different local businesses lined up, evidencing the community’s care.
“Me and my family have been here for over 80 years and we always give back to the community,” bowling alley manager Erik Semb said of the local willingness to give.
Beck added that as of the fundraiser’s 11 a.m. start time, 13 groups of four had already registered to bowl and $130 had already been raised in raffle donations. The $10-per-person entrance fee and raffle earnings will benefit the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals in the wake of humanitarian crises.
“It’s our pleasure to help out and bring awareness to what’s going on,” Active Bystanders member Ricky Pareja said.
In addition to raising awareness, Active Bystanders member David Stowe said, holding such an event serves as a bonding activity.
“It’s all about being part of the school community, and being closer to people across the world, in this case,” he said.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.