Senior center's Meat Raffle returning for 5th year

By PETE FONTAINE

What began as an offering of friendship – and help – has evolved into one of the Johnston Senior Center’s most important fundraisers of the year.

This month, the center will hold its annual Meat Raffle. It promises to be the biggest and best event of its kind since Cindy Galipeau, Louisa Iannotti and Linda Quinn suggested the idea to their friend, center Assistant Director Millie Santilli, five years ago.

While meat raffles have become commonplace as a fundraising tool for community organizations in recent years, few rival the center’s always fun-filled brand that last year featured upwards of 60 prizes and free refreshments.

Perhaps the most interesting features of the center’s annual meat raffle are that entrants do not have to be present to win, and tickets can be put back in for all drawings even if selected.

This year’s raffle is set for Sunday afternoon, Nov. 16, and will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are only $20 per person.

“Each year has become more of a success than the previous year,” said Debbie Ross, the center’s public relations director. “Last year’s meat raffle was a huge success thanks to the generosity of many FM Global employees who purchased many tickets to support the center.”

This year’s meat raffle, Ross said, will feature five-pound packages of meat, chicken, sausage and pork donated by Dave’s Marketplace, as well as numerous turkeys that will again be donated – as they have since the event’s inception – by Group Benefits.

It will also include special drawings for gift certificates to restaurants and stores.

“We hope that people will support our fundraiser and come join us for a fun afternoon,” Ross said. “Remember, a person does not have to be present to win. All they’ll need to do is purchase a ticket in advance, and he or she will be entered in every round of drawings.”

Like many senior center staffers, Ross also enjoys many of the center’s fun-filled events and added: “People really like the gift card drawings, and remember, refreshments will be served and they’re free.”

So if you’d like to be entered in the meat raffle and won’t be able to attend, just call Ross at the center – 401-944-3343 – to purchase a ticket. People can also stop by the center at 1291 Hartford Ave. to purchase tickets.

IMPORTANT DATES

There are two other important dates on the center’s always-full calendar.

One is tomorrow’s annual Halloween Party, which will begin at 11 a.m. and feature Venus Di Milo soup, pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, chocolate cookies or tuna on wheat bread with a salad.

Center officials also issued a reminder that Medicare Open Enrollment began on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Please call the center at 401-944-3343 to make an appointment.