CCE fundraiser is 'fabulously fun'
EASTFORD — In April 2023, the Congregational Church of Eastford suffered a terrible loss, as its church building burned to the ground. More than a year later, the community has continued to rally to support rebuilding efforts, and on Saturday, July 6, an event was held that strived to make a sizeable donation to the cause.
The “Fabulously Fun Family Fundraiser,” held at Eastford Elementary School, mixed children’s games, an auction, a concert by the Stephen Bell Trio, and many other fundraising activities into a family event that brought several area churches and townspeople together for a worthy cause.
Herm Barlow, one of the organizers, said, “I have been pleasantly surprised by how widespread the support for this effort has been, crossing many cultural and faith values. This demonstrates that in northeast Connecticut, community is still highly valued.”
The event also took the time to honor area fire departments, including Eastford Independent Fire Company, with a special gift of thanks.
As of press time, the FFFF event had raised more than $31,000, with counting still ongoing, according to Barlow. This money will be donated to the CCE Fire Fund, which will help rebuild the church on a new site on John Perry Road.
In an interview with WINY Radio in April, CCE Pastor Mike Moran said that despite the loss of the building, God has been blessing the congregation.
“The Lord is really blessing us,” Moran said. “We are strong, we have seen a lot of growth in the church. … We also have been able to sustain all of our work in the local community. … Right from the beginning, the kindness and generosity of the community has been a blessing, just profound, and they continue to be supportive … Eastford has been so, so good to us.”
- Additional quotes for this story were obtained from WINY Radio