That tantalizing aroma wafting over the bay from Islesboro on April 30 will be the island’s firemen cooking up their famous barbecued chicken as part of a fundraising event hosted by spouses of Army Reservists from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York serving in Iraq as part of the 2/304th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Division, headquartered in Saco, Maine.
The dinner will also feature dishes (including vegetarian ones) prepared by volunteer members of the event’s sponsors, the 2/304 Family Support Group, to raise money to underwrite a variety of support services for soldiers such as Islesboro volunteer fireman Randy Pendleton, currently stationed in Iraq as a member of the 2/304th.
The 2/304 Family Support Group provides care packages to soldiers, organizes homecoming events and has established an emergency fund to assist families in case unexpected major problems occur while a family member is deployed.
The Islesboro Chicken Barbecue is scheduled to start at 5 p.m., with various island musical aggregations providing entertainment. In addition to the food mentioned above there will be a raffle. Mainlanders are invited to attend, but must call 734-8861 on Monday or Tuesday evenings after 6 p.m. before April 25 to RSVP. There will be a QUICKSILVER water taxi run back to the mainland later that evening for a nominal fee.
Monetary donations, along with items donated to be used as raffle prizes at fundraising events or given to soldiers or their families, will be recognized by a letter of thanks documenting the tax-deductible amount (the federal tax identification number is 20-1674995).
If you would like to donate something for the Islesboro event (or would like to buy a tee-shirt), please call 734-8861 and arrangements will be made to pick up the item. The 2/304 Family Support Group’s address is 101 Franklin Street, Saco, Maine, 04072.