All proceeds from the annual event will benefit the Ron Stephenson Memorial Fund, which grants up to $250 a year to veterans or veterans' widows in financial need.
Lance Mills and Christi Mills holds cakes from a prior benefit fish fry.
LUDLOW - The fourth annual Fish Fry to benefit financially needy Ludlow veterans will be Friday, Dec. 14, at the Polish American Citizens Club at 355 East Street.
“Personally, I believe financially needy and veterans should not be in the same sentence,” said Christi Mills, one of the organizers.
She added, “Sadly, many Ludlow and surrounding communities’ veterans meet this criteria.”
All proceeds from the fish fry will be given to the Ron Stephenson Memorial Fund.
The fund was set up and chartered through the town in 2005 when Stephenson died. Stephenson was a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran.
The fund executors are Donald Couture, director of Ludlow Veterans Services, and Bill Shea, commander of the Ludlow VFW Post 3236.
Money from the fund is granted to Ludlow residents only.
Grants are given carrying a yearly $250 maximum and can only be used for food, shelter, clothing and heat. The grants are administered by Couture and Shea.
Honorably discharged veterans and widows of honorably discharged veterans, in financial need, are eligible to apply.
The Fish Fry will be a buffet dinner and will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It will include homemade clam chowder, baked or fried fish, coleslaw, French fries, fresh vegetables and dessert.
Coffee and tea will be served. A cash bar is available. Tickets to the event are $12.
There also will be a Chinese raffle and a 50/50 raffle. The Fish Fry will be accompanied by live musical entertainment.
“Please afford us the opportunity to help our veterans or widows of veterans who have bravely fought for our country and our freedom,” Mills said.
She asked residents to consider making a monetary donation to offset the cost of the dinner and/or donate a prize to be included in the raffle.
Tax-deductible donation forms will be provided upon receipt of donations.
Anyone with questions should contact event co-coordinators Christi Mills, (413) 885-9340, or Donald Couture, (413) 583-5600, ext. 1290; mailing address, Ludlow Town Hall, Veterans Services, 488 Chapin St., Ludlow, MA 01056.
Checks should be made payable to the Ron Stephenson Memorial Fund with “fish fry” written in the memo.