Music Bingo Fundraiser in Memory of Norfolk Man Set for October 25th

An annual fundraiser in memory of James M. Paquette will be held on Friday, October 25 at the VFW Hall, 123 Holliston St., Medway from 7 to 11 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go towards scholarships at Tri-County High School in Franklin and Gilly’s House in Wrentham.
James passed away in a car accident on October 11, 2010 at the age of 20. Soon after, Sandra Paquette, his mother, started a non-profit in her son’s name, JuMP for a Cause. Each year, Paquette plans a different event for the fundraiser. This is the ninth year for the non-profit. Past fundraising events have included a 5K road race, a comedy night, and a band night.
This year’s fundraiser is a night of music bingo and will feature DJ Tim Joyce. There will be prizes and raffles, including a stay on Martha’s Vineyard. Food and beverages will also be for sale.
Sandra Paquette says her son’s death has inspired her to give back in his memory.
“God may have shut one door but he opened a window,” she said. “And that window is for me to help others.”
James was a graduate of Tri-County High School’s HVAC program. He loved tools, cars, and fixing machinery, said his mother, adding her son was a happy guy and “would do anything for anybody.”
The Tri-County scholarship helps young HVAC graduates purchase tools for their new careers.
“The scholarship is for a person who is passionate about HVAC and tools,” said Sandra Paquette. “I’m not looking for that straight-A student who will do well in life no matter what. I’m looking for the person who is going to appreciate this award because they need it.”
This year, part of the fundraiser’s proceeds will go towards a Gilly’s House scholarship. Gilly’s House is a residential program for young men in recovery from addiction. Paquette decorated one of the rooms in the house in memory of her son. “James’ Room” has a nautical theme because her son loved the ocean and the family’s boat, she said.
“I used to live in Sheldonville and I remember when Gilly’s House was a nursing home,” explained Paquette. “So I decided to adopt a room because I wanted something permanent in James’ name that will always be there.”
Paquette says the thank you notes she receives from grateful scholarship recipients motivate her to keep moving forward.
“They tell me they didn’t know how they were going to afford the tools they needed and how much the scholarship meant to them,” she said. “I’ve read them and I’ve cried. I made a difference and that’s what this is all about.”
The music bingo organizers ask people to preregister for the event at www.gillyshouse.com for planning purposes. Admission is $25, payable at the door the night of the event, and includes bingo cards.