Pie raffle raises thousands for food pantry

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Musicians, including guitarist David Laffin (on right), helped make the event a success.
POUGHKEEPSIE – The Shamrock Association in Poughkeepsie held their 7th annual pie raffle on Wednesday evening and raised $2,000 for Dutchess Outreach.  The Shamrock is a private social club that has been in existence since 1947 and supports local non-profit agencies through a variety of events, such as the pie raffle.

The 2021 raffle was spearheaded by Shamrock member Brian Laffin with a small committee that solicited friends and businesses to donate pies, cakes, or other desserts that were raffled off Wednesday evening.

The event was open o the public and featured live music from Shamrock member David Laffin and several area musicians that answered his call to be a part of the event.

Laffin recently performed at Foodstock at The Chance Theater that also raised funds and collected food for Dutchess Outreach.  “The Shamrock is a great organization and I was more than happy to sit in and play the drums for a few songs,” said drummer Jeffrey Sherban.

A portion of the desserts collected and raffled off by the Shamrock.
Thankful for the generous donation, Executive Director of Dutchess Outreach Renee Fillette said, “26 percent of Poughkeepsie households are food insecure. Together, we can change this and ensure that every person has access to the food they want and need.” 
Tara Whalen, the associate director at Dutchess Outreach said, “Every year the Shamrock Association and their members conduct several events that raise money and collect food that we use to help others.  We’re very grateful for the support of the Shamrock.”
“Our members and our friends in the community really made this event a huge success,” said Shamrock Association President Marty Fralick. “It’s what we do!”
More than 100 people attended and purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win the desserts that included homemade and pre-packaged pies and cakes.
Periodically throughout the night, winning tickets were announced and the winners picked their choice of the more than 50 desserts that were donated.  Many people who won more than one, donated their winnings back to the club.
At the end of the event, Shamrock member Todd Bender, with the assistance of fellow member Chris Malet, delivered several pies to each of the City of Poughkeepsie firehouses, city police headquarters, and the Mobile Life Support Services substation on Pershing Avenue.



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