Tradesmen Pitch In For Monomoy Community Services Fundraiser

by Alan Pollock

            CHATHAM — Who knew practicality could be such fun?

            Monomoy Community Services is holding its second annual “Tools of the Trade” fundraiser Saturday, and dozens of home improvement prizes are up for grabs.

            “The general theme is on practical, not luxury [prizes],” co-chairman Heather Higgins said of the event.  Inspired by the economic downturn, the fundraiser recruits help from tradesmen and merchants who donate their time or merchandise instead of cash.  Those items will be available as auction items or raffle prizes, and all of the proceeds help Monomoy Community Services.

            On the block during the live auction will be five packages, including a custom-installed fire pit with Adirondack chairs and firewood; an outdoor shower; two raised garden beds with vegetables, tools and a landscaper to do the dirty work; a custom hand-painted mud room bench with bead board back, hooks and cubbies above and drawers below; and a chance to be principal for a day at Chatham Elementary School.

            The raffle items include a stainless steel gas grill, “workman's wallets” filled with gift cards, a full-day of landscaping help and two hours of tree work.  There is also one month's tuition at the Rocking Unicorn Nursery School; a garden consultation by a professional landscaper; and a tool bag filled with tools.

            “They're offers for things that you are going to spend money on anyway, like having a room repainted in your house,” Higgins said.

            Not all of the prizes are strictly practical, however.  There are gift certificates for clothing, gourmet meals, and even a day trip on the lobster boat Saga for two people—complete with boots, bibs and gloves for the winners.  There's an opportunity to be the guest bartender at the Red Nun and a professionally decorated cake for that special occasion.

            The event will take place Saturday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wayside Inn.  Admission is $20 and there will be free appetizers, a cash bar and $1 drafts.  Tickets are available at Puritan Clothing, Monomoy Community Services, and at the door on the night of the event.  Because last year's event was so successful, a tent will be erected over the back patio off the function room to provide more space this year. 

            Last year, Tools of the Trade raised more than $10,000 in one night, and Higgins said the fundraiser is more important than ever for Monomoy Community Services.  Last year, even though the event surpassed its financial goal, “Monomoy still ran at close to a $40,000 deficit,” she said.  The organization provides counseling and family support services, and a very popular after-school program.  “It touches so many different people,” Higgins said. 

            “To run at a large deficit like that when there's still a waiting list and they're stretched to the limits on their space,” she said, “I think it's so important to keep Monomoy viable and running.”  Higgins is the volunteer co-chairman for the event, working with Sarah Rhinesmith.

            In addition to being a very practical opportunity to help a worthy organization, this year's Tools of the Trade promises to be a fun time, just like last year's event, Higgins said.

            “There was such wonderful local support,” she said.  “The group was so energetic and happy and fun.”

3/11/10