Friday, October 21, 2011

Keep South Berwick Warm to Host Annual Community Supper

SOUTH BERWICK—
The 4th annual Keep South Berwick Warm “old school” community supper will be held Wednesday, November 2, 5-7 p.m. at Spring Hill Restaurant, Pond Rd., South Berwick. The yearly community fundraiser is being held by townspeople working with Social Services in an effort to help local families deal with heating costs this winter. Just like days gone by, there’s no set donation or entry fee – there will be a soup pot by the door where people can give whatever they can to help their neighbors get through these challenging economic times.
As reported in the October 13th edition of the Boston Globe, The US Energy Information Administration said the nation’s heating oil customers – most of whom live in the Northeast – will probably pay more than in any previous winter as heating oil costs rise to an average $3.71 per gallon. The average household is estimated to spend nearly $2,500 between now and March. That is about $200.00 more per household, making this year’s fundraiser even more essential to those in need.
Soups and breads at the fundraiser are made by local restaurants and bakers, and cookies are made by local individuals. There will be raffles donated by local individuals, a $10.00 table with locally donated items, and a bake sale by the South Berwick Seniors. Local restaurants and bakers generously providing food at the supper include Nature’s Way Market, Pepperland Cafe, Fogarty’s Restaurant, The Catered Event, The Redbarn at Outlook Farm, The Black Bean Cafe, The Brixham General Store, Spring Hill Restaurant, King Tuts Cider, and When Pigs Fly Bread. River City Jazz will entertain with acoustic jazz music.
“The money we raise from the supper, the raffle, and any subsequent donations that are made, will give a family a few hours of heat, or help with weatherization of their home,” says Pat Robinson, one of the key organizers. “The support we’ve gotten from the local restaurants and individuals has been very enthusiastic — if we see the community responds the same way this year, the event should really make a difference in local families’ lives this winter. If people can’t come to the supper, we hope they’ll mail in a donation. We really hope to make sure that all of the families of South Berwick stay warm this winter.”
When residents make their donations to the South Berwick Fuel Fund, the checks will be written to SoBo Central, an umbrella non-profit organization that includes the Food Pantry, Keep South Berwick Warm, Hot Summer Nights Concerts, Friends of Powderhouse Hill, Smart Growth, and GreenUp. Its mission is, “to nurture the Town’s unique sense of place by connecting and engaging citizens in community life.”
Donations to the Fuel Fund can be made directly to SoBo Central, c/o Fuel Fund, 46 Witchtrot Rd, South Berwick, ME 03908. Please write “Fuel Fund” on the memo line.
All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Photo caption: Keep South Berwick Warm will host its 4th annual community supper on November 2. (Courtesy photo)