THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, June 7, 2019 Page 17 Reid’s Ride Comedy Fundraiser sells out in Saugus By Tara Vocino T he words: “he’s still here” were heard throughout the sold out 15th Annual Reid’s Ride Comedy Fundraiser at Prince Pizzeria last Thursday. Lynnfield resident Reid Sacco, 20, uttered those words on April 16, 2005 – the day he passed away from bone cancer. Reid’s Ride, a 28-mile bicycle ride, was established in his memory to raise money for adolescent/young adult cancer. The ride begins at Lynnfield High School and ends at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, July 21 from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Pamela Burkardt of North Andover said she has met a lot of special people during her lifetime, but none like Reid Sacco. “As young as he was, he was a star,” Burkardt said. “He taught me courage, patience and humor. He was thoughtful, and he always pondered the right thing to do.” Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Seated are Diane Marino of Winthrop and Corinne Rescigno of Saugus. Shown in the back row: Freddie Lopez of Peabody, Carole Lopez of Peabody, Nancy Doyle of Revere, John Rescigno of Saugus, Tony Marino of Winthrop and Steven Doyle of Revere. They said they wanted to raise money for a good cause. Shown at right are Kyle McLaud of Lynn, Brittani McLaud of Lynn, Deborah McLaud of Lynnfield and Jim McLaud of Lynnfield. Shown at left are Lynnfielders Bob McNeill, Nancy McNeill, Mark Bankoff and Ann Bankoff. Cyclist Bob McNeill has raised $2,000 each year while rider Mark Bankoff has raised $1,000 each year for the past 14 years. On the day of the ride, Deborah McLaud volunteers as a nurse while Nancy McNeill blows up balloons. Brenda and Charles Baylis of Lynn during the Reid’s Ride Comedy Fundraiser at Prince Pizzeria last Thursday night (Advocate Photos by Tara Vocino) Phyllis DiVasta of Revere and Lucille Gumbleton of Medford are eyeing this Italian basket from the selection of raffle prizes. Meredith Nash of Andover said the 28-mile bicycle ride from Lynnfield to Gloucester is scenic, easy and doable. Michael Marra of Lynnfield is shown at right. Meredith Nash of Andover with her 20-month-old son, Will. Nash has been the top fundraiser, averaging $8,000 per year for the past 14 years. Pamela Burkardt of North Andover and Michael Marra of Lynnfield Comedian Juston McKinney kept the crowd entertained with his wild facial expressions. Comedian Tony V kept the crowd on their feet. Known as “The Pharmacist,” comedian Artie Januario is always a crowd favorite. Shown at right are Bob Gosselin of Lawrence, Stella Gosselin of Lawrence, Barbara Ann Donovan of North Andover, Nancy Forzese of Methuen, Patricia Vienneau of Salem and Gary Vienneau of Salem. Shown at left are Michael Ebert of Atkinson, N.H., William Donovan of North Andover, Tom Forzese of Methuen, Mary Graffeo of Scituate and Michael Graffeo of Scituate. They said they have been supporting Reid’s Ride for years. Revere Community Liaison Priscilla Nickerson won this “Frozen” basket as a raffle prize. Comedian Lenny Clarke has been a longtime supporter of Reid’s Ride. Comedian Tony V asked if there was a plumber in the audience. Plumber Richard Roczynski, who is shown second from left in the front row, was selected. Comedian Johnny Pizzi jokingly said that all the single couples in the audience looked happy.
18 Publizr Home