The response to our appeal for donations for the Fourth of July celebration has been exceptional. To date, we have raised over $8,500. We may break a record this year.
Many thanks to all the generous folks who contributed and are still sending in donations! We will be accepting contributions right through the Fourth.
It wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of our canvassers, who knocked on doors and left letters: Jeanne Barrett, Shirley Currier, Gretchen Hildebrand, Jennifer Bent, Jane Slayton, Alita Phelps, Doug Phelps, Meghan Barton, George Kidder, Jim Danforth, Elita Reed, Betty Adams, Roxanne Braley, Beth Frost, Joe Kenny, Bonnie Morris, Ty Morris, Kit Norris, Ginny Newton, Ethney McMahon, Wood Sutton, Joyce Bourdon, Darlene Tilton, and Judy Perreault.
My thanks also to Beth Frost, who did all the computer entries. I would have been lost without her expertise.
Folks gave many reasons for supporting the Fourth of July celebration, many because they enjoy the day with their friends, family, and children. Those who no longer attend say it was there for their children, and they want to see it continue for the next generations.
For the clubs, it is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. The money they raise is returned to the town in the form of scholarships and other services. It has been an Andover tradition for 74 years and promotes national and community spirit.
Donations received in June (too late to appear in the Fourth of July program) include Ken Newcomb and Carol Bennett, Sarah Whitehead, Nancy Teach, Mary Zurawski, Nan Kaplan, Sarah Hardy and Richard L. Bott, Bonnie Coombs, Brenda Jurta, Scuffy and Gail Barton, Barbara Taylor, Phil and Doris Abair, Melissa Lavender, Trish and Derek Hinkley, Joan and Bernard Saisfield, Hilde and John Heaton, Ron Wood, Bob Hurlbutt, Liz and Bart Green, the Lydia and Bradford
Bates family, Adele and Gregory Mamos, and Jack, Lisa, Tori, BillyJack, and Sonny Braley.
In addition to canvassing for funds, the committee is holding its annual raffle with some very nice prizes. Grevior Furniture in Franklin has generously donated an oak coffee table with a top that raises to make it higher and allow storage inside. It is valued at over $400. There is also a beautiful red, white, and blue crocheted afghan donated by Susan Aste of East Andover and a basket of Made in New Hampshire products.
We actually have a second raffle going. Donna French donated a beautiful bracelet valued at over $100. We will be selling tickets at the Andover Lions Club Pancake Breakfast on the Fourth at AE/MS and on the Village Green. The drawing will be at the end of the day (or on the rain date).
Come and plan to spend the day eating, listening to music, and having fun.