RUMFORD — The Greater Rumford Community Center will host a slew of fundraisers over the next month to help save the center from being shut down, Chairman Gary Dolloff said.
At the annual town meeting in June, voters rejected the GRCC’s operating budget and summer programs budget.
The GRCC’s operating budget of $138,100 was defeated 829-657, and its summer programs funding request of $22,720 was rejected by a tally of 845-607. There was no recourse due to a previous charter change.
As a result, the GRCC created a fundraising committee called “Save the GRCC,” and will hold fundraisers over the next few weeks.
A rummage sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Rumford Center Meeting House on Route 2. A bake sale will also be held at that time, with fresh garden vegetables available as well. “Save the GRCC” T-shirts will be on sale for $10.
Those who attend the rummage sale will also have the opportunity to buy tickets to another GRCC fundraising event: a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Rumford Eagles. Following the dinner, a dance will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight, with music performed by Cold Blue Steel and Sharon Buck & Dixon Road.
Dolloff added that the GRCC has a couple of fundraisers that are in the preliminary stages, including a strongman competition and obstacle course to run in conjunction with the Rumford Pumpkin Fest.
“Another thing we’re trying to get set up is a dance at the Legion or the school for the kids,” Dolloff said. “We have a guy at the GRCC who knows one of the South Portland DJs. I think his name is DJ Verbatim. He puts on a good show, and has a good following, so if we were able to get that show to happen, it would be huge.”
Prices are $7 for dinner only, $10 for the dance only or $15 for both.
In addition to the rummage sale, tickets will be available at Davis Florist and Trendsetters on Congress Street.
All those wanting to make donations to the rummage sale may drop off items at the GRCC until Thursday, Aug. 22, with the exception of appliances.
Those wanting to donate bake goods are asked to drop them off by 7:30 a.m. the morning of the sale.
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