Group to make noise with silent auction
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

John R. Briggs Principal Candace Wright and Extended Day Coordinator Dorene Francis are trying to pull together a new type of fundraiser for the school.

The pair is working with a committee of parents and staff to set up a silent and service auction to raise money to provide scholarships for the extended day program and to pay for the enrichment programming.

"Anyone from the community is invited," said Francis.

The event will be Friday, March 30, at the Colonial Hotel. Tickets are on sale until March 20 at Briggs.

The evening will include a dinner and three types of auctions - Chinese, silent, and live - as well as raffles. Organizers have received 140 donations of goods and services.

"The local businesses have been very supportive," Wright said.

The goods range from gift certificates for spas, auto care stores and dry cleaners to a free justice of the peace for a wedding and a lawyer to write a will.

There are also goods for the students including a ride to school in a police cruiser and being principal for a day.

There is also memorabilia from the state's three major sports teams and passes to family attractions across the state.

"We want this to be a community based event," Wright said.

The idea came out of the district's goal to move away from students as salespeople, Wright said. Fundraisers, like the magazine drive help pay for guest speakers, special hands-on classes, and other enrichment programming, she said

The proceeds of the evening will be split between the school's enrichment programming and the Extended Day program.

Francis said families in need can receive financial assistance to provide childcare for children in preschool but there is up to a two-year waiting list to help cover students in grade school. She is hoping to raise money help cover local students in the program both in Ashburnham and in Westminster.

"This could help bridge the gap," Francis said.