The hot days of July and August seem to insolate us from the all-too-familiar biting cold that lies ahead this coming winter. It’s because of the upcoming bone-chilling days and freezing nights that Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors must raise funds now so that we can help those neighbors who are in difficult situations and need emergency heating assistance this winter.

Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors is comprised of all local volunteers and we raise money to purchase heating fuel for families who are truly in need and have no other place to turn. We carefully screen every person who applies for help and then, if they qualify, purchase fuel for them – but this assistance is limited to 100 gallons of fuel and only one purchase per family per heating season.

In an effort to raise the necessary money, we have one major annual fundraising event, the Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors Gala, being held this year on Sept. 19 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Spring Meadows Country Club in Gray. There is a fabulous buffet meal followed by a live auction conducted by the well-known and highly entertaining auctioneer, Stef Kennan. There will also be a silent auction with many additional items available.

During the previous heating season, October 2013 through March 2014, we helped over 100 families who were in desperate need of emergency assistance. Every year for the past six years the number of local families in need has exceeded the previous year and we fully expect the upcoming season will continue this trend. Therefore, the success of the September Gala is critical to our fundraising efforts and to our purpose.

Tables for eight for the Gala are now available and can be purchased by a group or by individuals. We hope you will consider coming to this evening of fun to support a great local cause. Details and general information about the Gala are available by contacting Bill Diamond (892-8941) or Norma Rogers (892-5608).

We are proud to say that every dollar raised – 100 percent of the money contributed – goes to the purchase of heating fuel.

We are grateful for the wonderful support that has been given to Windham Neighbors since our beginning in 2008.

Thank you.

Bill Diamond, president

Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors