The Athol-Royalston Education Foundation is offering a Mother-Son Challenge Saturday afternoon, with team pairs competing for bragging rights and ribbons. The event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Athol Community Elementary School (ACES) with proceeds supporting future activities and school enrichment programs.
While not school-sponsored, notices have gone home with all Athol and Royalston elementary and middle school students.
Styled after the television game show “Minute to Win It,” the local competition will feature a mother (mom or anyone designated as mother, even men) and son(s) participating in 10 challenges. At first blush, the game stations look pretty easy, but add in the element of competition, some cheering and maybe some distraction action, and completing the challenges become far more difficult.
Teams will be rewarded for their efforts with ribbons, and of course, bragging rights. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Tickets are $10 per couple, either in advance or at the door. Multiple sons can participate. Each son is an additional $5. Proceeds from the event will benefit A-REF.
A-REF is a nonprofit group of local citizens working together to provide educational enrichment opportunities through the public schools in Athol and Royalston. Funds donated and raised are distributed in the form of “mini-grants” to local teachers and citizens who want to undertake creative projects beyond the capacity of the school budget.
Funds have been granted for swimming lessons, plays, globes for classrooms, and hiking and gardening clubs.
In 2017, close to $6,000 was distributed to support 22 of the 26 grant applications submitted. To date in 2018, 12 requests totaling $15,717 have been received, and nine grants totaling $3,651 have already been awarded.
Fundraising efforts take place throughout the year. The annual Father/Daughter Dance in May, featuring a DJ, dancing, photo opportunities and refreshments is one of the more popular events. The annual Oktoberfest, with music, and both traditional and Americanized Oktoberfest foods and beverages, is also an extremely popular fundraiser.
For information on A-REF, tickets for the Mother-Son Challenge or details on upcoming events, contact Maureen Blasco at 978-249- 5138.