Weston's parade to benefit UNICEF

Sunday, 25 October 2009 23:00

The 2009 Ragamuffin Fair and Parade on Oct. 31, sponsored by the Weston Women’s League (WWL), benefits UNICEF, the non-profit organization with a mission to help those in need around the globe.

For 59 years, millions of people and partner organizations have collected change on Halloween, money that has enabled UNICEF to provide necessities such as clean water, educational supplies, and immunizations to impoverished children worldwide.

Weston will do its part through collection boxes distributed via the schools and money gathered at the Ragamuffin Fair and Parade. The event’s net proceeds will be given to UNICEF.

According to UNICEF, donations purchase the following:

• Six cents provides water for one thirsty child

• $45 provides school supplies to 20 children

• $112 provides emergency blankets to 27 children

• $200 immunizes 104 children against measles.

“With numbers like these, we know Weston’s contributions can make an impact,” said Kim Forte, WWL member and Ragamuffin Parade chairman. In 2008, the Weston Women’s League raised approximately $3,000 as a result of the Halloween UNICEF drive.

This year’s event will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at 4:30, beginning at Hurlbutt’s South House field for a costume contest, games, and Polaroid pictures. There is a suggested donation of $10 per family for admission.

The parade begins at 5:45, and marchers will head to the Weston firehouse for a continued celebration. The firehouse party will feature a child-friendly haunted house.

The rain location is the Community Room at the Weston Library from 4:30 to 5:30, without the parade.

The Ragamuffin Fair and Parade is one of the many philanthropic efforts spearheaded by the Weston Women’s League throughout Fairfield County. For more information, contact Kim Forte at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.westonwomensleague.com. To learn more about UNICEF’s Halloween campaign, go to www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat.