BRISTOL — One of the state’s biggest fundraisers once again brought in a large haul of money to battle against a dreaded disease.
The 2017 Three Day Stampede toward the Cure for Cystic Fibrosis was an incredible success earning over $125,000 that will go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for research and programs.
A press release from Stampede organizer Bonita Bedard said that brings the total raised over 26 years to $1.9 million.
“This year’s success can be partly attributed to the incredible three days of weather that we had,” Bedard said. “However we have to give the most credit to the amazing volunteers, customers and sponsors who make this event possible every year!”
The centerpiece of the July 28-30 event, as usual, was the big lawn sale under almost three dozen tents on the Bristol Recreation Field.
It also included a used book sale, craft and flea market, food bunk, bake sale, silent auction, motorcycle ride and 5K running race.
Volunteers ranged in age from 4 to 85 with the young people being the largest in attendance.
“This event renews your faith in the human spirit, you have folks giving their whole weekends to unload trucks, sort goods, cook food, take care of trash, put up and take down tents and just be an overwhelming source of support,” Bedard added. “They recruit their friends and family and the event continues to grow.”
Out of the five tractor-trailer loads of donated items that were collected every Saturday starting June 1 until the event, $68,000 was earned from that haul. The silent auction raised well over $20,000.
“The event belongs to Bristol and it is truly the highlight of our year,” Bedard said. “Thank you all for volunteering, attending, sponsoring, baking, donating and supporting. Let’s hit 2 million next year!”