MIDDLEBURY — The Foundation for Alcoholism Research (FAR) raised more than $1,000 through its May 8 fundraiser at Jessica’s Restaurant at the Swift House in Middlebury. Organizers report that 35 bridge players and supporters gathered for FAR’s ninth annual luncheon and card party.
FAR is a non-profit organization founded by Peg Calder in 2008 to raise and distribute money to perform research in the causes, identification, detection, prevention, treatment, control and cure of alcoholism.
Raffle prizes at the May 8 card party were donated by Cole’s Flowers, MacIntyre Sunoco, Middlebury Fitness, Distinctive Paint & Interiors, Chef’s Corner of Williston, Rosie’s Restaurant, Agway, Hannaford Supermarket, Martin’s Hardware and the Grapevine Grille.
It was reported that all attendees had an enjoyable afternoon.
Calder founded FAR in Vermont almost a decade ago. Last fall she stepped away from management of the non-profit and Kathleen Madden took the reins as the president of FAR. A special education and English teacher in Chicago, Madden took the headquarters to her base in Illinois.
In announcing Madden’s selection to the leadership role, FAR said current management was unable to continue for a variety of reasons including aging and job and family responsibilities. Madden and her three daughters volunteered to take over the operation of FAR. Madden and her husband, Mark, lost their son Eric to alcohol last year just short of his 31st birthday.
Calder said in a press release that she feels the organization is in good hands, and she is “thrilled and comforted with the changes. This family is as passionate about the need for better answers as I have been, they are in a major metropolitan area, and they are open and willing to talk about Eric. They can grow FAR and extend research. It couldn’t be better. I thank them for their commitment.”
Calder remains a member of the FAR Board of Directors and its treasurer.