The Boy Scout Slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily.”  A Good Turn is defined as a “volunteered kind act or deed”; its purpose is to help each scout develop a habit of service and an unselfish attitude of mind.  In September, Winchester’s Troop 507 did a me a Good Turn and so much more when they held “Rick’s Fall Festival” at Wright-Locke Farm here in Winchester to raise funds and awareness for ALS.

The Festival was held on beautiful day, with live music, food trucks, guided hikes on the farm’s trails, scout-led games for kids, a mini ice-bucket challenge, and a raffle in the barn.  We were thrilled that so many people from the community turned out! At our fall Court of Honor last week the troop presented Jen DiMartino, Executive Director of ALS ONE, with a Big Check for the $11,938.15 raised at the event.

I am fortunate to have been a part of Boy Scout Troop 507 for the last ten years, and want them to know how much I appreciate their unwavering support for me and my family.  The festival was so much more than a fundraiser — I want to again thank the troop, especially Scoutmaster Chris Rogers for coming up with the idea, the committee of parents and scout leaders who spent all summer planning the event, and the scouts who worked so hard to make it such a success. I also want to gratefully acknowledge Wright-Locke Farm for the outstanding venue, the talented musicians who volunteered their time and made it a joy-filled day, and all the local merchants and friends who generously donated items for our exceptional raffle. Here are some photos from the day:

This event brings the total amount raised for ALS ONE on the “Rick’s Hike for ALS” website to $144K! This amount is far greater than I ever imagined a year ago when we set out to do something to help in the fight to find a cure for ALS. Although I finished my part of the hike in August, since then friends have continued to hike sections of the Appalachian Trail that I couldn’t do and have contributed some blog entries. I will share their stories on this site over the next few weeks. Wouldn’t it be great to get to $150K???