From Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance to Lynnfield Rotary: Thanks!

The Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance would like to thank the Lynnfield Rotary for hosting a successful Jail and Bail Fundraiser on Thursday, May 4th, as well as thank all those who came out to participate in this fun-filled parody of the legal system. Proceeds from the event, gathered from bails paid and from the purchase of warrants and immunity cards benefit the 13th Annual Reid’s Ride 28-mile Bike Ride, being held this year on Sunday morning, July 16, 2017.

The theme of this year’s Rode is “Making Waves for AYAs”, and we’re planning on a “tsunami” year. As most know by now, Reid’s Ride supports programs and clinics that focus on the unique needs and gaps facing adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer.

Despite a week of rainy, gloomy days, the weather was perfect for the event, which was held from 3 pm to 7 pm on the Green at Market Street, Lynnfield. The turnout was excellent, with so many citizens from Lynnfield and nearby communities being great sports and allowing themselves to be “arrested” and then held in a jail cell crafted by the LHS theatre department, where “prisoners” awaited theirs bails to be paid. At one point, nearly a dozen such prisoners sat behind bars, and could be seen using their mobile phones to frantically call surprised colleagues, friends and family for donations to help them post bail.

The prisoners came from all walks of life in Lynnfield and surrounding communities, and included students, teachers, parents, families, business owners, co-workers and town officials. Presiding as judge was Jay Kimball, who charged each prisoner with a wide variety of creative and outlandish crimes and misdemeanors. Based on those infractions, the judge set bail amounts. Police Chief Dave Breen served as court officer, who apprehended those served with an arrest warrant, handcuffed them, and then escorted them to the jail cell to await their bail-out.

The success of this fun event speaks volumes about the town of Lynnfield, and makes us so proud to be Lynnfield residents, and so proud that Lynnfield is the home of Reid’s Ride. This Jail & Bail event is just another example of how this relatively small town continues to do such great big things for those in need. We think of Lynnfield as an uncommon community of friends and family always ready to come together for a great cause.

Many, many volunteers made this event the success it was. In particular we would particularly like to thank:

The Lynnfield Rotary, which hosted the event and whose many members participated as prisoners, court officials or event volunteers. Driving and organizing the event for Rotary were Paula Parziale and Patti Nardone, along with Chief Dave Breen and Janine Pescatore.

The Prosecution Team, led by Katie Bourque Bush and Jackie Bourque Tewkesbury which developed the event website and managed all transactions and communications for bail, arrest warrants, and immunity cards before and during the event.

Jay Kimball, for playing the role of judge for the event, and for his hilariously sharp wit and contagious energy.

Lynnfield Public Schools, for supporting the event with the construction of the jail cell props, with prisoners and volunteers, and with live music by the LHS jazz ensemble. Special thanks Superintendent Jane Tremblay, LHS Principal Bob Cleary, physics teacher Stephen Smith, and Band Director Tom Westmoreland.

LHS Stage Crew Katy Cioffi , Stephanie Robles, Michaela Carroll for assisting in the building of the Jail along with Stephen Smith and the helping hands of a few skilled parents.

MarketStreet Lynnfield, for welcoming the event to its Green, and for generously providing staging, equipment and logistics for a smoothly run event. Special thanks to Nanci Horn, Charlotte Woods and Brian Paglia Bob Priestley, for taking on-site instant jail cell mug-shot photos of each detainee

Doris Boghosian, for lending Judge Kimball the robe once belonging to the late Honorable Judge Robert Stanziani.

Gia Page at Davio’s MarketStreet, for gift cards and Davio’s for being such a great supporter and partner to Reid’s Ride and Cause.

Many local businesses which came out to support the event, including Everett Savings Bank and two of this year’s Reid’s Ride Premier Sponsors.

And a huge thank you to this year’s Reid’s Ride Premier Sponsors, Cam Media, Davio’s, Dunkin Donuts, Everett Savings Bank, Fuddruckers and Lyons Ambulance. See them on this year’s Reid’s Ride “Making Waves for AYAs” ClearChannel electronic billboards.

Sincerely,

Gene & Lorraine Sacco

Founders, Reid Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance and Reid’s Ride