Donated baskets and prizes much too big for baskets will fill two ballrooms of the Queensbury Hotel in Downtown Glens Falls this Friday, May 11, for the 8th Annual Baskets For Ben fundraiser. Auctioneer Martin Seelye will preside over the live auction of 60 donated baskets and nearly as many baskets will be offered for a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund.
The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund was created to honor CPL Benjamin Osborn, a Lake George graduate, who was killed in June 2010 while serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund works with schools throughout Warren, Washington, Essex and Saratoga Counties to “give kids a little lift” by providing items such as clothing, food, bedding, tutoring services, school supplies and eyeglasses. Each year around the holidays, the Fund adopts families and organizations, providing more than $15,000 in gifts and food this past holiday season.
The Fund’s literacy initiative, Ben’s Book Stations, has placed 15 outdoor book stations throughout the area with another 16 under construction. These 24/7 lending libraries are a way to bring books to kids who may not make it to the library.
A new initiative, Ben’s Personal Hygiene Kits, has distributed 500 kits to area school children. Each kit contains a hairbrush and comb, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items. Additionally, the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund awards 20 scholarships to graduating seniors in local school districts.
The Baskets For Ben fundraiser begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes heavy appetizers, desserts and door prizes. There will be a cash bar. Entertainment will be provided by Monsters Among Us, a band formed by Ben’s high school friends, and WFFG “Froggy” 100.3 will live broadcast the event. Call (518)792-4514 to reserve tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door.