A family dream is only that until someone takes notice and acts
upon it.
Our dream in memory of Connie Colleen O’Connor is to make a
profound difference in school children’s lives one at a time.
Dear Editor:
A family dream is only that until someone takes notice and acts upon it.
Our dream in memory of Connie Colleen O’Connor is to make a profound difference in school children’s lives one at a time. In eight years, we have done it slowly and privately. In March of this year, we asked local businesses for advice, help and courage. Each one came forward with all of this and more. Twenty-four businesses wrote checks, sold raffle tickets and donated 43 raffle prizes in all.
I went to the Free Lance and was introduced to Christine Tognetti and Nick Lovejoy; two very energetic, deeply understanding, fresh and creative people. Connie’s story and upcoming raffle was published on March 30th. Christine’s story brought the positive publicity we needed to get our fund-raiser known to the public. Thank you Christine and Nick for diving in and getting our story out.
Last year, Dee King and Susan Paura encouraged me to try a raffle. This year it blossomed with their help and that of Bob Yant, owner of Enterprise Electric. The children of Hollister are lucky to have our businesses support. How much I have learned in these lean times about the importance of local family businesses. Let us not forget to patronize our Hollister businesses. They are all worthy of our support.
Through our current support, the Connie O’Connor Education Fund has grown from raising $1,500 last year to $6,000 this year.
I thank one and all from advertising to donations, on behalf of every bright-eyed child who will read a new book purchased through your kindness.
Our families’ dream lives on for our Connie Colleen. (April 10, 1970-April 12,1996)
Blessings from Connie’s Family.
Joan Perreira,
Hollister
