RUMFORD – A benefit supper, show and dance will be held for the family of Donald Hodsdon on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the American Legion hall.

Hodsdon, 46, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 9 in Mexico.  He spent many years working as an oil delivery driver for CN Brown and was a volunteer firefighter for the town of Mexico.  He also coached youth baseball, basketball and floor hockey.

According to Tricia Thurston, the first vice commander of the Rumford American Legion Auxiliary, Hodsdon’s family and friends, along with the Legion, are attempting to raise money to help support his two sons and funeral costs.

“The benefit was kind of a combined, instantaneous decision between Ray Hodsdon and myself,” Thurston said, referring to Donald’s brother. “We discussed how his family was left with no insurance, and we said, ‘With all they’re going through, we have to do this.’”

Thurston said she’s amazed at how many people have come out to help organize the event.

“Donald was a well-loved person in this community,” Thurston said. “We’ve already almost sold out of tickets.  We have maybe 20 left.  I also posted the event on Facebook, and it’s amazing to see how many people are coming out of the woodwork to help out.  Even people who don’t live around here anymore are trying to do something to help, even if it’s sending money.”

The benefit will begin at 4 p.m. with a spaghetti supper, which will cost $7 for adults and $4 for children.  At 7 p.m., comedians Dennis Fogg and Steve Cloutier will perform their material, followed by the band Roadhouse performing from 8 p.m. to midnight.

“We’ve had both Dennis and Steve at the Legion before, so we know them pretty well,” Thurston said. 

The cost for the comedians and the band is $10 per person, while the cost for the spaghetti supper, comedians and the dance is $15 per person.

Thurston said there will be a Chinese auction consisting of items donated by the community.

“We’re also asking for donations for desserts to serve,” Thurston said. “Depending on the crowd that shows up, we may need a lot more.  If we have leftovers, one thing we’ve done in the past is auction off the desserts.”

Thurston laughed as she added, “You’d be surprised, people pay crazy amounts for six cookies, or a slice of pie.”

To donate items for the Chinese auction or desserts for the supper, contact Thurston at 357-3289 or Ray Hodsdon at 357-7769.  Tickets are available to purchase at the American Legion.

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