The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund is holding its 11th Annual Baskets for Ben fundraiser at the Queensbury VFW Post 6196, 32 Luzern Rd., Queensbury, New York on Friday, Oct. 28, 4:30-7 p.m. Auctioneer Roy Ross will lead the live auction of themed gift baskets.
This year, baskets include golf packages, lottery tickets, a Glens Falls Symphony gift card, automotive items and hotel accommodations. The fundraiser will also hold two raffles — a wheelbarrow of wine donated by Hope Rosati and Friends, and a forged Adirondack Firepit by Monahan Metals of Glens Falls.
The event includes foods provided by local restaurants, bakery desserts, beverages and entertainment. Tickets are $20 per person. Adirondack Broadcasting and Look TV of Glens Falls are the event’s media sponsors.
The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund was established to honor CPL Benjamin D. Osborn of Queensbury. CPL Osborn, a Lake George High School graduate, was killed during combat operations in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on June 15, 2010, while serving in the United States Army during Operating Enduring Freedom.
The Fund, working with schools in Warren, Washington, Essex and Saratoga Counties, assists children who need items such as clothing, bedding, food, tutoring, school supplies, eyeglasses, transportation, electronics and field trip admission fees. The Fund also awards scholarships, adopts families for holiday giving and donates household and personal care items to several local food pantries.
The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund literacy program is a network of 25 book stations spread throughout the Lake George area that makes books available to all children. Another fund initiative has provided more than 2,200 personal hygiene kits to emerging teens.
Baskets for Ben is a major fundraiser that helps the Fund honor the legacy of CPL Ben Osborn’s selfless sacrifice and service with its mission to “Give kids a little lift.” The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with a volunteer staff and no administrative costs. For more information, call the Fund at (518)792-4514 or email benosbornfund@gmail.com.