We thank everyone who has helped the Girard Family in any way – or will do in the coming week – or after and may God reward you all for your generosity.

We apologize for the delay in getting this information posted – and we also apologize if some of you may have already found out through different sources.

To all those who have offered to help in any way, those who have already begun helping, and especially to those who have already worked so hard on this project, we thank you for your generosity and hope that God will reward you for it.

And, the Malta House Benefit Concert in Stamford, CT, on Friday 19th Sept will be going ahead as planned. If you were hoping to see Eric Genuis then tickets are still available for this concert.

Thank you all again.

On Sunday 21st September, 2008, Eric Genuis has kindly offered to perform two Benefit Concerts at the Norwich Free Academy Slater Auditorium.

The first concert will start at 4pm, and the second at 7pm. Admission will be $15 per head for the Matinee Concert (4pm) with no age restriction and casual dress requirements.

Tickets for the Evening Concert at 7pm will be $20 per head with an age restriction of 16+ and Business Casual Dress Attire. Tickets are on sale now: email – girardfamilytrust@yahoo.com

We are still finalizing arrangements but I can assure you that this will be a world-class concert and I highly recommend that you keep Sunday 21st September free.

Stay tuned.

Friday, August 22

Gates open – 5:35

Game Time – 6:35

Lucas Girard

will throw out the First Pitch!

Tennis Ball Toss at 9:00 followed by FireWorks!

Tickets are $8.00 – ($5.00 of each ticket will go to the Girard Family)

For tickets call:

Lynn Crider 917-7370

Johanna Kotecki 376-3034

By Leticia Velasquez

East Moriches, Long Island, United States – taken from her blog: http://cause-of-our-joy.blogspot.com/

At 4PM, as I drove to the firehouse for the barbecue, I was surprised by the traffic jam created by the hundreds of attendees as the barbecue began.

My amazement grew upon entering the firehouse, it was packed with Chinese auction items, handicrafts and baked goods made by loving hands. There was a joyful sense of purpose in the crowd who were united in their purpose to help a family touched by tragedy.

As we walked up to the line for our chicken, I was greeted warmly by Jacqueline Girard, who remembered me from my recent trips to the Academy of the Holy Family, where she will be a sophomore. My oldest daughter Gabriela will be entering the same class, as she begins school there this fall. The girls chatted about upcoming school activities, and I was pleased that Gabriela now has a friend in her new school.
The rain which had been threatening cleared, a hot sun broke through, and as quickly as new tables were set up, more and more families sat down to enjoy a generous portion of savory chicken accompanied by fresh rolls, cole slaw and potato salad.
I sat with Albina and Joe, a couple from Norwich, who shared about their work in their home parish. I told them about my upcoming move to Canterbury, and how the spirit of joyful cooperation I saw at the firehouse that evening reaffirmed my decision to join the friendly community of laypeople who are involved with activities at the Friary.

Friars moved through the crowd, helping to clean up, and greeting participants. A band played popular favorites, and attendees lingered to enjoy one another’s company in the summer twilight. The chicken barbecue was a resounding success.

The Girard family was encircled with love from the community at this difficult time, and we hope to participate in future fundraisers.

If you would like to contribute to the fund for the family please send donations to:
Bank of America
Girard Family Trust
590 West Main St (Rt 82)
Norwich, CT 06360

NB. We have been told that the Chicken BBQ Fundraiser raised $19,000 for the Girard Family – Well done Voluntown and well done Voluntown Volunteer Fire Dept!!!

Memorial Video and Girard Family Story

Original Memorial Video hastily assembled for the wake.