Raising Funds for a Drug-Free North End

North End Against Drugs (NEAD) is mulling over fund-raising ideas.

During the monthly meeting last week at the Nazzaro Center, members shared their ideas for ways to raise money so they can continue to keep children out of trouble and promote family interaction.

President Debra DeChristoforo, who was running the meeting for the first time, advised the group to come up with new ideas.

“Without JR (John Romano who stepped down from his position of president on January 8), we don’t have someone to write great grants,” she said.

Treasurer Karen D’Amico estimated NEAD has between $14,000 and $16,000 at this time.

Up to this point, NEAD has scheduled an Easter party at the Nazzaro Center on March 30. Mike Giannasoli is funding it.

“I have a case of Easter bunnies,” he said. “I’ll get a case of eggs and a parent volunteer to boil them.”

Mike has an idea for another way to raise money.

“Carl Ameno and I work at the North End Pool in the summertime and two comedians come there,” he said. “I’ll ask them to donate their services and report back (if they agree) at the next meeting,” he said.

Other board members said they have an Easter basket and coloring kits.

In addition, the group talked about having a community service banquet some time in the fall but tabled the discussion until another meeting.

Members also briefly discussed the upcoming bingo fundraiser that the website stated will occur on April 21.

After the fund-raising discussion, the group went on to talk about matters that will underpin its mission: supporting neighborhood groups that promote healthy and drug-free activities for the community.

Daniel Toscano presented a case for additional funding for the nascent youth hockey program in the North End.

Olivia Scimeca talked about the fundraiser she is promoting to benefit St. Francis House and the ways in which NEAD can contribute.

NEAD has been working since 1988 to provide activities within the North End community, planning family events, drug education, community programs and events to help keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

NEAD meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street.If you'd like to learn more about organizations like NEAD, sign up for North End Patch’s newsletter and get your news delivered to you directly.  Find it here: http://northend.patch.com/newsletters