Johnston Senior Center’s meat raffle back for 5th year

“Where’s the beef?” has been a common cry during recent weeks throughout the Johnston Senior Center.

It’s the slogan, if you will, for the center’s fifth annual meat raffle, which will be held Sunday, Nov. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the spacious multi-purpose room.

“It seems as though interest is at an all time high as far as the meat raffle is concerned,” Executive Director Tony Zompa said. “It’s probably because people who purchase a ticket have 40 chances to win and they don’t even have to be present during Sunday’s drawing.”

“Each raffle ticket entitles the purchaser a chance at wining multiple drawings,” said Santilli, who co-founded the meat raffle with Cynthia Galipeau and Louisa Iannotti. “If your ticket is drawn and you win either a turkey or meat package, you can win again. That ticket goes tight back into the barrel for the next drawing.”

Sunday’s meat raffle will feature 40 prizes. Shannon Russell, a longtime center supporter, has donated 20 turkeys, while Dave’s Marketplace in Smithfield has donated 20 five-pound meat packages.

Because interest seems higher than usual, center officials suggest that people purchase their tickets prior to Sunday. Those interested may obtain tickets by stopping at the center, located at 1291 Hartford Ave. in Johnston, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. People may also reserve tickets by calling either Joanne or Cathie at 401-944-3343 during regular business hours.

In keeping with tradition, Zompa announced that the Johnston Police Department’s award-winning Explorers Post 405 will again provide cadets who’ll help serve free refreshments and, as Zompa mused: “Help those people who might win two of three times in Sunday’s raffle carry their prizes to their cars.”

“[Assistant Director Millie Santilli] and I want to thank people in advance for all the interest that this year’s meat raffle has generated to date,” Zompa said. “This is one of our most important fundraisers of the year and we really appreciate the support of our membership and a number of loyal Johnston residents.”

NEEDED: FOOD

Zompa also announced that “once again, we need your help to replenish our food closet for the holiday season.”

“We hope that people will continue to help support this valuable and much-needed program.”

He listed such items as pasta, pasta sauce, chicken and beef broth, turkey gravy, rice, stuffing mix, instant or canned potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, green beans, cereal, peanut butter, jam, coffee, and tea.

“Last year we provided over 100 food baskets to needy families,” Zompa said, “and that was due to the efforts of Millie [Santilli] and Denise [Bell]. Thanks to all our members for their ongoing generosity, we greatly appreciate it.”

Zompa added: “We encourage people coming to Sunday’s meat raffle to bring along non-perishable food items and place them in the box that’s located in the front lobby.”