Let Your Spirit 'SOAR': Raise Funds for Help With Oil This Winter

Shrewsbury Oil and Assistance Relief (SOAR) is pleased to announce an evening of friends and neighbors celebrating the Spirit of Shrewsbury and raising critical funds for our community members who cannot afford heat this winter.

The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 25, 7–10:00 p.m. at Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, and will help usher in the Spirit of Shrewsbury weekend. DJ Fire chief Jim Vuona will provide the entertainment, Struck Catering will serve tasty treats, and for “spirits” there will be a cash bar. Tickets are $50 per person $75 per couple. Your hosts for the evening are John Masiello, Representative Matt Beaton, Beth Casavant and Hannah Kane.

Shrewsbury Oil and Assistance Relief (SOAR) was founded to provide emergency oil deliveries to residents who have run out of oil and need help until more permanent assistance can be provided. Unlike electric and gas companies who are prohibited from cutting heat service, oil companies/providers do not have to deliver oil if people cannot afford, which leaves some families freezing cold. The charity is administered by Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services and both police and firemen, as well as other social services organizations like St. Anne’s Human Services provide referrals for families in need. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help fund the need for next winter. All proceeds go directly to pay for oil for families in need.

According to John Masiello, co-founder of SOAR, “All of the money that SOAR raises goes right into people’s oil tanks. Through our agreement with Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, we are able to take every bit of money that we raise and use it to deliver oil to our neighbors in need. Since our founding six years ago, we have helped almost 200 Shrewsbury families in crisis.”

Please make checks payable to Shrewsbury Oil Assistance Relief (SOAR) and mail to P.O. Box 595, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Please contact Hannah Kane at Hannah@Beatonkaneconstruction.com or Beth Casavant at bethcasavant@gmail.com if you would like to become a sponsor or if you have any questions.

Information submitted by Melanie Petrucci