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Families Helping Families Bids Bon Voyage to Summer

On Friday, Sept. 22, Clinton residents can say goodbye to summer and simultaneously raise money for a good cause at the Families Helping Families (FHF) Bon Voyage to Summer, an evening of food, drink, and music on the Clinton waterfront.

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot of Aqua and Cedar Island Marina, 34 Riverside Drive, Clinton. According to a press release, all proceeds from this event will go to FHF’s community outreach program Families to Families and the VFW Post 1189 Local Veterans Relief Program—all funds raised stay in Clinton and go directly to Clinton families.

FHF President Miner Vincent said the idea for the event came about members of the organization realized local veterans needed support. Vincent said the funds raised at the event help people who have been dealt a bad hand in life, such as those recovering from car accidents to helping a child with a sickness.

“We’ve gone down the gamut from A to Z,” said Vincent. “The only qualification we have is we’re restricted to families in Clinton.”

Despite limiting services to those in town, it’s “a monumental task,” Vincent said. “There’s a lot of people on the edge” in Clinton.

Water and sunset views led organizers to chose the parking lot for the festive event. Vincent also sees it as a way to introduce the marina area to those who might not normally visit it.

“That area is appreciated, but a lot of people don’t know it exists,” Vincent said.

There will also be a tent on location in the case of rain.

Local beverage makers Salute Vodka and Thimble Island Brewery will help provide the beverages for the evening’s event, and Aqua is providing food. Silent auction prizes include power tools, sailing lessons, and a year’s worth of oil changes. There will also be food and a live band at the event in addition to the auction.

Vincent said local business “have really stepped up” in helping with the event.

Tickets, $30 per person and $50 per couple, are available at Body Karma Studio and Christo’s Jewelers.