BRATTLEBORO — “Heating it up with the Ladies of the Rainbow” on Saturday, March 7, at 8 p.m., at the VFW on Black Mountain Road will be this year's major fundraiser for the Windham County Heat Fund.
In 2005, Daryl Pillsbury and Richard Davis decided to find a way to help people struggling to pay for home heating fuel who weren't eligible for existing programs. They simply decided to raise money and then figure out who was in need and help those people.
They have worked closely with SEVCA and the Windham County HELP Fund so that people can be connected with assistance programs.
The Windham County Heat Fund, now in its 15th year, is a one-time “band-aid,” usually consisting of a minimum fuel delivery. The Fund tries to make sure people have explored all other avenues of assistance first.
Solid relationships have been created with local fuel dealers and local human-service agencies, so the Heat Fund has no overhead and no administrative expenses. All money used to pay fuel bills is given directly to fuel dealers and deposited into the accounts of people and families receiving donations.
The drag show has become a very popular local event and usually sells out in advance. This is adult entertainment and is not suitable for children. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m.
There will be a 50/50 raffle and a cash bar. Tickets prices are by donation. Suggested donation is $20 and tickets may be reserved at Vermont Artisans Design in Brattleboro or by calling Richard Davis at 802-254-2240 or Daryl Pillsbury at 802-254-4285 or by e-mail at wcheatfund@comcast.net.