The fish is mad, the cause isn’t

Charlie Moore, Aubuchon team up to fundraise for Relay for Life

By Owen Boss

WESTMINSTER — Charlie Moore and Aubuchon Hardware teamed up to host the Mad Fish Blues Bash at Wachusett Village Inn Sunday to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, which included food, raffles and live performances from three local bands. The band list for the event included James Montgomery, Ernie and the Automatics, and Dr. Humble, who wrote the theme song for Mr. Moore’s fishing show, “Charlie Moore Outdoors.” The event also offered guests dinner and raffle items, which included a guitar signed by Charlie Moore and the bands, hockey sticks and tickets from the Worcester Sharks, Aubuchon Hardware gift cards, and a football signed by Roosevelt Colvin. According to Mr. Moore, outside of this event he has several outlets for raising money for various charities, including his own ice cream called “Mad Fish Mud,” the proceeds from which he donates to programs for children with AIDS. “Events like this are about doing things for a good cause — there is no one charity I try to single out,” said Mr. Moore. “This is about helping out a lot of people; I try to do 15 to 20 events a year for charity. Both myself and Aubuchon Hardware have gotten behind this event and we are proud to be a part of it.” Mike Mattson, co-captain of the Aubuchon relay team, said that this is the second time they have hosted the event, and it was 2007’s success that helped make the 2008 bash a reality. “Last year was our first year and it was a great time and we really want to keep this up,” said Mr. Mattson. “I have been involved with the Gardner Relay for Life for the last 13 or 14 years, and we are always looking for other ways to raise money for the event, we know that other teams hold dinners and comedy events and this is just our way of helping out.” Although Mr. Mattson cancer has never personally affected him, he has been involved with the relay because it is a charity he feels does a lot of good for a lot of people. “This is just one of those causes that affects so many different people,” said Mr. Mattson. “We are really happy to get involved.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 6/30/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 154)