| Fundraising & Community Events Fundraising at St. Joseph Parish and Schools is a community effort. We like to refer to our fundraising events as "Fun" Raisers because they are a great way to meet other Parishioners and school parents in a social and festive environment while benefiting Saint Joseph Parish and Schools! These events build a strong sense of community in our Parish. This is just as important to us as raising money. Specific details for our events are posted on the website calendar and in the Weekly Bulletin. Also, feel free to call Liz O'Connell, Director of Advancement, for more information at 781-444-4459, ext 114; eoconnell@saintjoes.com. Apple Picking - September. Apple picking at Little Rascals Orchard in Ayer, is one of the Parish’s many family-friendly events. Your only cost is to pay for the apples you pick as you would at any orchard. Little Rascals gives us all their profits + 100% matching funds to benefit our schools! St. Joe’s families, as well as your extended family and friends are all welcome. The orchard features many varieties of apples in a non-commercial, laid back, lovely setting. The kids enjoy hay rides and a chance to visit the farm animals. Lunch & fresh baked apple pies are available for purchase – or bring your own picnic lunch! There are plenty of picnic tables available for your use. Auction – Spring 2012. The Parish Auction is held every two years. It is a wonderful evening featuring a cocktail hour, a gourmet dinner, musical entertainment and many items to bid on from school projects created by Saint Joseph students to deluxe vacations abroad… and everything in between! The bidding is fun and varied with Quickie Boards, a Silent Auction and a Live Auction held during dinner. Christmas Bazaar – November. The Annual Christmas Bazaar (ongoing for over 50 years!) is an old-fashioned bazaar, just like you remember from your elementary school days.  The Middle School gym is transformed into Santa’s Village and features many items on sale for both young and old alike. These items include candles, florals, hand-knit scarves, sports memorabilia, and more! Booths featuring homemade baked items and frozen gourmet meals are also popular.
The Children’s Festival in the Elementary School gym offers families enough entertainment for an entire day from arts & crafts to games to a chance to visit with Santa Claus and get your photo taken! Maud’s Kitchen offers up a pancake breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. Finally, there is a Christmas Bazaar Family Dinner - another annual tradition - on Saturday evening with two seatings at 5 and 7 p.m. Families enjoy a spaghetti dinner with meatballs and chicken parmesan, salad, rolls, dessert, and wine for the adults, followed by a fun sing-a-long. Christmas Express - December. The Saint Joe's Christmas Express takes you and your family on a magical 45-minute ride full of music, singing, treats and a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express" by guest storytellers. Our first Christmas Express held in 2009 was a complete success and we anticipate holding this fun community event in the coming years! Golf Tournament - May or June. The Annual Golf Tournament is traditionally held at the Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland in May or June. Men and women golfers - please join us for this annual rite of spring.  Registration is at 8:00 am. with the Florida Scramble shotgun start at 9 am. Continental breakfast and a Texas Barbecue dinner is served. Your Tournament fee includes the meals, greens fee, cart, goody bag, and prizes. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Kurt or Julie Steinkrauss at (781) 449-2973; ksteinkrauss@mintz.com
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