Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 31/10/2018

Under 15s in the Final – Congratulations to the Under 15s on the great performance against St Joseph’s on Saturday last, in Carrick on Shannon, which now sees them in the Championship Final. The final score was Melvin Gaels 3-10, St Joseph’s 3-8. This group of lads have performed very well all through the championship and have done the club proud. Well done to all the players and mentors.

Melvin Gaels Underage Presentation –Due to Under 15s playing in the Championship Final against Gortletterragh at 12noon on Sunday next November 4th in Drumshanbo the Underage presentation will now take place at 5pm on that day in the Community Centre. This presentation is for all underage players.

Connacht Minor B Championship – Hard luck to the minor team in the Connacht Championship in Ballyhaunis last Friday night. They were beaten by Tourlestrane on a scoreline of Melvin Gaels 0-8, Tourlestrane 2-6.

These lads deserve great credit on doing so well this year. Well done to all the players and mentors, Gareth, David and Niall and all involved.

50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Seamus Bredin, Edenville, Kinlough. Enda won €305. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw.

You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Get Your Mark on Melvin Park – It is very important that all Club Members help with the fundraising needed to complete the work on Melvin Park. Anyone who has not yet contributed is asked to do so as soon as possible. Contact any member of the Development Committee to purchase your “Mark” and ensure that the Club will have the facilities everyone can be proud of. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 25/10/2018

Connacht Minor B Championship –  Our U17’s will be competing in the Connacht GAA Minor B Championship Quarter Final this Friday 26th October against Tourlestrane at the Connacht GAA Centre’ Ballyhaunis. Throw in 7pm. This team will be a mix of mainly the current U17 squad plus some minors who still qualify for this age group. A  bus will be organised to the Minor Championship game if there is enough interest and demand. €10 per person return. Please contact Liam Freeburn on 0863882077 to book your place. Bus will only run with sufficient numbers. Good Luck to all the players and mentors

 

Under 15s in Semi Final – Well done to our U15 team on a fantastic win against Ballinamore on Saturday last. Final score Melvin Gaels 6.11 Ballinamore 4.08

The U15 boys have now qualified for the championship semi-final. They will play St. Josephs on Saturday 27th October in Pairc Sean, Carrick-on-Shannon at 12 noon. Please give them a lot of support.

Good Luck to all the players and mentors.

 

Healthy Club Conference – On Saturday 20th October, the annual Healthy Club Conference was held in Croke Park. The Healthy Club goal is to make GAA Clubs a hub for health and wellbeing in their community both on and off the field. Melvin Gaels were represented by Katherine Williams and Mary McSharry who are on the Melvin Gaels Healthy Club Committee. A key feature of the day-long event was the unveiling of the inaugural Healthy Club Heroes – a list of 23 club volunteers from across all four provinces who have gone over and above in their dedication and implementation of the Healthy Club project, and who have been nominated by their communities for special recognition for their hard work. Congratulations to Katherine Williams who received one of these awards. Awards were presented by Dublin footballer, Brian Fenton. The Healthy Club Conference was hosted and facilitated by Colin Regan GAA Health and Wellbeing Manager.

 

Congratulations Dearbhla – Congratulations, from all at Melvin Gaels, to Dearbhla Rooney on her fantastic achievement in boxing – winning a bronze medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina .Well done Dearbhla.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 15/10/2018

Another Win for the Under 15s – The Under 15 team travelled to Drumkeerin on Saturday morning and came away with another great win in the Championship. Final score Drumkeerin 2-8, Melvin Gaels 6-15. Well done to all involved.

Congratulations – The Club would like to congratulate Aughawillan on the great win over Mohill in the Senior County Final on Sunday. Well done to Darragh Cleary and Lily Brennan who represented the Club at the County Finals!

Festival of Football – Brilliant morning at @LeitrimGAA for the Festival of Football with U9 teams from across the whole county. Despite awful weather conditions and a very early start from Kinlough there was a magnificent turnout from our boys and we thank sincerely all the families that travelled to Annaduff

Church Gate Collection – Thanks to everyone who supported the Club’s Church Gate Collection at the weekend and thanks to all who helped out.

Gaeltacht Grants 2019 – Leitrim Co Board GAA in conjunction with Leitrim Co Council is offering grants for attendance at Gaeltacht courses to Leitrim boys and girls as part of their promotion of an Ghaeilge. These grants are open to boys and girls living in County Leitrim. Some of the grants are part-sponsored by Gaeltacht colleges. In the case of cash grants, when students return they can claim their grant money on production of evidence of having successfully completed the course. Application forms can be printed from the Leitrim GAA website www.leitrimgaa.ie by searching Gaeltacht Scholarships 2019 or can be had had from the Secretary of any GAA club. Beidh na hiarratais le fáil i ngach meanscoil sa Chontae freisin The closing date for applications is Friday 26 October 2018.

50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Sean Mc Gowan, Laughta, Kinlough. Sean won €302. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw.

You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Get Your Mark on Melvin Park – It is very important that all Club Members help with the fundraising needed to complete the work on Melvin Park. Anyone who has not yet contributed is asked to do so as soon as possible. Contact any member of the Development Committee to purchase your ”Mark” and ensure that the Club will have the facilities everyone can be proud of.

The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 10/10/2018

Gaeltacht Grants 2019 –Leitrim Co Board GAA in conjunction with Leitrim Co Council is offering grants for attendance at Gaeltacht courses to Leitrim boys and girls as part of their promotion of an Ghaeilge. These grants are open to boys and girls living in County Leitrim. Some of the grants are part-sponsored by Gaeltacht colleges. In the case of cash grants, when students return they can claim their grant money on production of evidence of having successfully completed the course. Application forms can be printed from the Leitrim GAA website www.leitrimgaa.ie by searching Gaeltacht Scholarships 2019 or can be had had from the Secretary of any GAA club. Beidh na hiarratais le fáil i ngach meanscoil sa Chontae freisin The closing date for applications is Friday 26 October 2018.

The Late Jim Meehan – The Club extends deepest sympathy to the wife, family, relatives and many friends of the late Jim Meehan, Dromahair whose death took place last week. Jim was assistant County Treasurer and worked for many years with Leitrim GAA.  May he rest in Peace.

Presentation Night – The Club will hold the end of year Bord na nNog Presentation Night for all underage teams, boys and girls, to mark their commitment and participation all year. This will take place at 7.45pm on Friday November 2nd in Kinlough Community Centre. The night will be topped off with the presentation of Medals to our winning Boys U17 Team who won Leitrim U17 Championship 13-a-side trophy. Special Guests invited & Refreshments served. All underage players from U7s right up, along with their coaches and parents are asked to attend.

50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Marcus Clancy, Ballyshannon. Marcus won €180. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw. You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Development Project – Good news last week when it was announced that funding had been allocated to improve the Dressing Rooms and facilities. This is the second part of the overall project. The Drainage, Sanding and seeding of Melvin Park has been completed. Fundraising must continue to complete Phase 1. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 03/10/2018

Presentation Night – The Club will hold the end of year Bord na nNog Presentation Night for all underage teams, boys and girls, to mark their commitment and participation all year. This will take place at 7.45pm on Friday November 2nd in Kinlough Community Centre. The night will be topped off with the presentation of Medals to our winning Boys U17 Team who won Leitrim U17 Championship 13-a-side trophy. Special Guests invited & Refreshments served. All underage players from U7s right up, along with their coaches and parents are asked to attend. 

50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Jane Mc Carron, Mill Road, Kinlough. Jane won €245. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw. You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Improvements to Facilities – More Fundraising ideas are needed to help with the badly needed improvements to the facilities available to the Club.  The drainage of Melvin Park is almost completed and funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1 of the project, which is the realignment of the carpark wall and draining and realignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed. More Club members and players are needed to help. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 27/09/2018

Presentation Night – The Club will hold the end of year Bord na nNog Presentation Night for all underage teams, boys and girls, to mark their commitment and participation all year. This will take place at 7.45pm on Friday November 2nd in Kinlough Community Centre. The night will be topped off with the presentation of Medals to our winning Boys U17 Team who won Leitrim U17 Championship 13-a-side trophy. Special Guests invited & Refreshments served. All underage players from U7s right up, along with their coaches and parents are asked to attend.

 Another Win for the Under 15s – The Under 15s had another great win over St Josephs in the Championship last Saturday. Well done to all the lads and mentors. On Saturday next they take on Sean O Heslins Ballinamore at 12noon in Bundoran. Good Luck to all.

 50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Michael Gillen, Tawley, Kinlough. Michael won €200. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw. You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Improvements to Facilities – More Fundraising ideas are needed to help with the badly needed improvements to the facilities available to the Club.  The drainage of Melvin Park is almost completed and funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1 of the project, which is the realignment of the carpark wall and draining and realignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed. More Club members and players are needed to help. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go towww.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com.

 

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 20/09/2018

Senior Championship Quarter Final – The Seniors were very unlucky on Sunday to be on the losing end of a very close game against Aughawillan. Well done to all the players and mentors, Billy, Conor, Brendan, Paul and all involved. They have ensured that the Club is involved in Senior League and Championship in 2019. This is so important to the Club.

Under 15 Championship – Well done to the under 15 team and mentors on another great win over Annaduff in the Championship in Annaduff. Final score Annaduff 4-3 Melvin Gaels 5-11.

 50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Barbara Fahey, Barr Road, Kinlough. Barbara won €260. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw. You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Improvements to Facilities – More Fundraising ideas are needed to help with the badly needed improvements to the facilities available to the Club.  The drainage of Melvin Park is almost completed and funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1 of the project, which is the realignment of the carpark wall and draining and realignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed. More Club members and players are needed to help. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go towww.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 11/09/2018

Under 17 Champions – On Saturday the Under 17 team put in a great second half performance to win the Under 17 Championship in Pairc Sean. This was a great achievement by this group of young lads. There was great excitement when the team arrived back in Kinlough on Saturday afternoon. The final score was Melvin Gaels 2-11, Rinn Gaels 1-11. Well done to all the lads and mentors Gareth and David and everyone who helped. Congratulations to Caolin Clancy on his “Man of the Match” award.

Seniors in the Quarter Finals – The Seniors took on Aughnasheelin in Drumshanbo on Saturday evening in the last game in the round series and came away with a great win and a place in the Senior Championship Quarter Finals. This game was played in difficult conditions and the Gaels trailed by two points at the break. They upped their performance in the second half and scored some great points to get the win they deserved in the end. Final score Melvin Gaels 0-11, Aughnasheelin 0-9. They now take on Aughawillan in the quarter final at 4.30pm on Sunday next. Well done to all the players and mentors. Good luck to all on Sunday and thanks to all who supported both games on Saturday.

 50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Nadine Collins, Village Inn, Kinlough. Rachel won €180. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw.

You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Improvements to Facilities – More Fundraising ideas are needed to help with the badly needed improvements to the facilities available to the Club.  The drainage of Melvin Park is almost completed and funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1 of the project, which is a realignment of the carpark wall and draining and realignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed. More Club members and players are needed to help. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com.

The Late James Clancy – The Club extends deepest sympathy to the wife, family, relatives and friends of James Clancy, Millbrook, Kinlough who passed away last week. James’s sons and grandsons are very much involved with the Club. May he rest in peace.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 04/09/2018

Under 17 Final – On Saturday next (September 8th) the Under 17 team travel to Pairc Sean where they take on Rinn Gaels in the Championship final. Throw in for this game is 12noon. This is a great day for these young lads who have done the Club proud. Good Luck to all the lads and mentors Gareth and David. Come along and give them support. 

Senior Championship – The Seniors take on Aughnasheelin on Saturday evening (September 8th) at 6.30pm in Drumshanbo in the last group game of the Championship. Hopefully, they can come away with the win they need. Good Luck to all the players and mentors. A good support is needed for this game.

Junior A Championship – The Juniors put in a great performance on Saturday evening last in the Junior A Quarter Final against Carrigallen in Drumshanbo. Carrigallen were the winners on a scoreline of 1-17 to 2-11. Well done to all the players. Well done to mentors, Dessie, Mark and Peter for the work they put in. 

50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Rachel Dolan C/O Anglers Rest, Kinlough. Rachel won €305. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw. You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Improvements to Facilities – More Fundraising ideas are needed to help with the badly needed improvements to the facilities available to the Club.  The drainage of Melvin Park is almost completed and funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1 of the project, which is the realignment of the carpark wall and draining and realignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed. More Club members and players are needed to help. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com.

 

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 29/08/2018

Under 17s In the Final – On Wednesday evening last, in Bundoran, the Under 17 team had a great win over Annaduff in the Championship semi-final. The Gaels got off to a flying start, scoring a goal and a point in the first few minutes.  They went into the break with a comfortable lead but Annaduff fought back in the second half and with a late goal came within two points at the final whistle. Final score Melvin Gaels, 2-9, Annaduff 1-10. Well done to all the players and mentors David and Gareth. The final will be against Rinn Gaels.

Senior Championship – On Saturday evening, in Pairc Sean, the Seniors got their first win in the 2018 Championship when they defeated Bornacoola on a scoreline of 3-14 to 0-8. Well done to all the players and mentors.

Junior A Championship – The Juniors take on Carrigallen in the Junior A Championship Quarter Final in Drumshanbo on Saturday next (September 1st) at 4.45pm. Good Luck to all the players and mentors. Come along and support the lads.

The Late Terry Mc Gloin – The Club extends deepest sympathy to the family and all the relatives and friends of Terry Mc Gloin, Kinlough whose death took place last week. Terry has been a great supporter of the Club and his son Padraig is involved with the club and his grandson Sean is an underage player. May he rest in peace

Gaelic4Mothers and Others Fundraising – Gaelic4Mothers & Others presented two cheques to Melvin Gaels GAA Club on Wednesday 22nd August on foot of two recent fundraisers i.e. Rock ‘n Roll Bingo and Mixed Blitz. First cheque of €500 was presented to Liam Freeburn , Chairperson of the Bord na nOg to assist in offsetting the cost of transporting underage players to matches. Second cheque of €300 was presented to Mark Cleary, Secretary of the Senior Bord towards club expenses. Gaelic4Mothers & Others wish to thank all those who supported these fundraising ventures. The Club would like to thank everyone who helped to organise these events.

50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Sean Gallagher, Mill Road, Kinlough. Sean won €227. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw.

You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

The Late Gabriel O Malley – The Club extends deepest sympathy to the wife, family, and many friends of Gabriel O’Malley whose death took place in Dublin at the weekend. Gabriel was a great player for Melvin Gaels with the great teams of the fifties and sixties.  May he rest in peace.

Make Your Mark – As can be seen, the work is going well on the Development at the Community Centre and Melvin Park. Funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1, which is realignment of the carpark wall and draining and re alignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com. All club members, along with past and present players are asked to support this fundraising venture.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 21/08/2018

Under 17 Semi-final – On Wednesday evening (August 22nd) in Bundoran the Under 17s take on Annaduff in the Championship semi final . Throw in for this game is at 7pm. A good support is needed to cheer the lads on. Good luck to all the players and mentors.

Senior Championship – On Saturday evening the Seniors travel to Pairc Sean where they take on Bornacoola at 5pm. The Gaels need to perform much better than they have been in the Championship so far this year. Goo d luck to all the players and mentors.

50/50 Draw –  The winner of last week’s draw was, John Mc Gowan, Birmingham. John won €285. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw.

You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Under 13 – On Thursday the Under 13s travel to Drumshanbo where they have a game against Allen Gaels at 7pm. Good Luck to all.

Fundraising Needed – As can be seen, the work is going well on the Development at the Community Centre and Melvin Park. Funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1, which is the realignment of the carpark wall and draining and realignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed. The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com. All club members, along with past and present players are asked to support this fundraising venture.

Melvin Gaels GAA Club Notes 14/07/2018

Under 17s Remain Unbeaten – On Monday evening the Under 17s got a well-deserved draw against Glencar/Manor in Manorhamilton. This was an entertaining, high scoring, game a with both sides playing some great football. Final score was Glencar/Manor 4-10, Melvin Gaels 3-13. Well done to all the players and mentors.

 Games This Week – On Saturday at 7pm in St Osnattt’s the Junior team take on Glencar/Manorhamilton in the Junior A Championship. On Thursday August 16th the Under 13s play Kiltubrid at 7pm in St Osnat’s. Good Luck to all.

 Senior Championship – On Sunday in Ballinamore the Seniors were defeated on a scoreline of 0-13 to 0-10 by Allen Gaels. In the first half Melvin Gaels competed well and were very unlucky to go into the break two points down. In the second half they did not perform as we know they can and did not take the many scoring chances they created.

 50/50 Draw – The winner of last week’s draw was, Charlotte Gavigan, Bundoran Road, Kinlough. Charlotte won €224. Get your ticket now for this week’s draw.

You can now play 5050 as a Direct Debit or Annual Ticket. Never miss out on buying your weekly ticket again!!! And if you are away from home, you can still support Melvin Gaels!

Development Work Going Well – As can be seen, the work is going well on the Development at the Community Centre and Melvin Park. Funds are needed badly and it will take a lot to complete Phase 1, which is the realignment of the carpark wall and draining and realignment of the playing. It is an exciting and ambitious project which will cost in excess of €200,000 but it is urgently needed.

The support has been very good so far. The fundraising will involve “Make Your Mark on Melvin Park” for €100 which will represent a square of Melvin Park, entry into a draw, prizes 5x €1000, and your name on a commemorative plaque. To get your “Mark on Melvin Park” contact Spar, Kinlough or Pat at 0871787194 or Katherine at 087 287 0086 or go to www.kinloughcommunitycentre.wordpress.com. All club members, along with past and present players are asked to support this fundraising venture.