A benefit dance will be held at Dena’s Lobster House, 765
Roosevelt Trail in Windham on Sunday, February 12th from 1 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. Launched by The Village Fund, a RSU14 school wide community lunch
program, the monies raised will help students who cannot afford school lunch
but also do not qualify for the free/reduced lunch program.
Based upon the concept “It takes a village . . .”, the
Fund was established several years ago by a small group of caring individuals
who saw the need for students who fell through the cracks of a system meant to
help those in need. Teachers, community members and school nutrition employees
came together to fill those cracks by giving their time and money.
“We never want to see any student put in a situation
where they cannot afford to get a lunch, regardless of the reason,” Marge
Govoni, co-chair of The Village Fund, stated. “We have not established The
Village Fund to replace the responsibility that the parents have to make sure
their child’s lunch account is up to date, but sometimes things happen that is
beyond our control. A hungry child does not learn well, no matter the reason.”
“Our school nutrition program is truly dedicated to
ending hunger in our community,” Samantha Cowens-Gasbarro, Chef/School
Nutrition Coordinator, stated. “This program allows students who are struggling
to access healthy food at school.”
Per the Centers for Disease Control, skipping meals is
associated with decreased cognitive performance (e.g., alertness, attention,
memory, processing of complex visual display, problem solving). The lack of
adequate consumption of specific foods, such as fruits, vegetables, or dairy
products, is associated with lower grades among students.
“Every child deserves a nutritious meal,” Cowens-Gasbarro
added. “This contributes to a child’s academic success. It is important to
mention that we are very sensitive to the need of privacy and provide the meals
with respect and confidentiality. Additionally, there is a protocol established
by The Village Fund, which allows us to make sure the funds are used correctly.”
The DJs, Flamin Raymin & Sizzlin Suzzin, will host the
benefit dance. In addition to a fun afternoon of salsa, disco, foxtrot, tango
or your favorite party move, dancing lessons will also be provided to those who
may be interested. The dance is all inclusive and is for all ages. The cost is
a $6 donation fee per person and $20 per family of four or more.
For those who are unable to make the benefit dance and wish
to make a contribution to The Village Fund, may do so by sending a check or
money order to the: RSU 14 School Nutrition Program with “Village Fund” written
in the memo. The check can be mailed to: The Superintendent’s Office, 228
Windham Center Road, Windham, ME 04062.
A special thank you goes to Dena’s Lobster House, Flamin
Raymin and Sizzlin Suzzin, as well as to Jeanne Riley, school nutrition
director, who is an advocate to ending hunger in
our community.
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