NEWPORT — It’s fitting that the huge yard and bake sale taking place this Saturday and Sunday in Newport falls on Mother’s Day weekend, because event coordinator Alissa Raboin is following in her mother’s footsteps in a fight to cure cancer, one fundraising event at a time.
Aline Raboin, who was born and raised in Lowell, and lived for many years in Newport, was passionate about finding a cure and fundraising money to support cancer survivors, caregivers, and the surrounding community. Her participation in fundraising events increased when her twin brother was diagnosed with cancer.
She began doing Relay For Life around nine years ago, and later started the yard and bake sale. Tragically, Aline was also diagnosed with cancer and passed away on December 22, 2014.
Alissa stepped up and continues the work her mother started.
She has named her Relay For Life Team “Aline’s Angles,” in honor of her mother, and continues to raise money through a number of events throughout the year, including a spaghetti dinner, and a charity softball game.
The yard sale has continued to grow under Alissa’s leadership, raising close to $14,000 in the last two years.
“I run the fundraiser the way she ran it because it was so successful,” Alissa said. “I just do what she did, all of it.”
The sale usually has a little bit of everything, especially clothes, tools, houseware, and exercise equipment.
“We seem to be getting more furniture, and larger items this year, which is great,” Alissa said.
The sale takes place this Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 17 Vermont Route 105 in Newport, next to the water tower.
All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
If you would like to contribute to the cause, but can’t make it out this weekend, you can drop off returnable bottles at the same location on Route 105, year round.
You can also visit the Aline’s Angles team page and donate online.
