Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi, left, joins Lt. Kevin Bishop, in the preperation of a fundraising event for a Southwick family that was burned out of their home during a Mother’s Day fire. The fundraiser will benefit the Price family and is sponsored by the Southwick Police Assocation. The May 30, Friday night event will be staged at the American Legion on Powder Mill Road and will feature a picnic-style supper, music and raffle prizes. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – A Southwick family is trying to put their lives together after a devastating fire tore through their Feeding Hills Road home on Mother’s Day.
Caissy Cross-Price, her husband Scott, and their three children were home at the time of the fire and escaped without injury, but lost everything. Cross-Price is the daughter of retired Southwick Police Sgt. Richard Cross and his police brothers have rallied to help the family through a benefit May 30 organized by the Southwick Police Associations.
Association President Lt. Kevin Bishop said the funds will help the displaced family of five rebuild their lives.
Police Chief David Ricardi said a happy holiday turned into a tragedy.
“Mother’s Day is supposed to be a day of good memories, but for this family, it wasn’t,” Ricardi said.
The May 30 fundraiser will be held at the Southwick American Legion, 46 Powdermill Road, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for a social hour. A family picnic style dinner will be from 6:30-7:30, followed by music and raffles until 11 p.m.
Bishop said Big Y and Ye Olde Butcher Shop have generously made donations of food, the Legion donated the use of its pavilion, and raffle items are coming in. The Association is seeking a donation of a DJ or live band for the event, as well as more raffle items and refreshments. Anyone wishing to make a donation or offer their services should contact Bishop or Ricardi at the police station at 569-5348.
“The more we have donated, the more we can give to the family,” said Ricardi.
Cost for the benefit is $20 per person and $10 for children under age 12. Tickets are available at the police department on Depot Street.
