More than year and a half after the sinking of the fishing vessel Patriot claimed the lives of two Gloucester fishermen, a local nonprofit group is in the midst of what organizers say is a second annual fund-raiser to aid the family — and preserve the victims' legacy.
A major raffle for the benefit of the Friends of the Russo Family is being planned in conjunction with a golf tournament hosted next Monday — Sept. 13 — at the Rockport Country Club.
Both are being sponsored by the Rogers Street restaurant Latitude 43, with the money going to the Russo friends' organization, which sought and has received recognized 501(c) government status, said raffle organizer Paul Ciaramitaro.
"That's going to enable us to do a lot of things — to apply for corporation support and other types of grants," said Ciaramitaro, who's been a familiar and visible figure over the last two weeks offering raffle tickets outside George's Coffee Shop at Washington Street and Centennial Avenue.
The raffle has drawn donated prizes from more than 50 local businesses, including six-week membership packages to MAC Fitness donated by Manchester Athletic Club, a $300-plus Brinkman 4-burner grill donated by Home Depot, a $300 plastering service from Frank Interrante Plastering, Whale Watch ticket packages and tickets to other local attractions, plus several gift certificates to noted restaurants from Gloucester to Boston.
"The community has just been tremendous in getting behind this," said Ciaramitaro said, adding that he views the effort as a true community event.
The beneficiary of the drive is the family of Capt. Matteo Russo, who was lost along with his father-in-law, John Orlando, aboard the Patriot when it went down in January 2009. Russo is survived by his wife Josie — John Orlando's daughter — and the couple's two children.
"I want to be sure that, as time goes by and these kids get older, we, as a community, can help them along to go to college and so forth," Ciaramitaro said. "This family — and this incident — cannot be forgotten."
Ciaramitaro said the raffle goal is $5,000, with tickets selling for $10 apiece.
Tickets may be purchased at Latitude 43, at DeMarco's Cleaners on Washington Street, or by contacting Ciaramitaro at 978-479-4296 or 978-283-1810.
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