Pawsox Give The River First UMC Family Tickets For Fundraiser Following Thefts

Burglars took $20,000 in equipment from The River First United Methodist Church in two thefts last week, but the Pawtucket Red Sox is softening the blow with a donation of tickets to their Aug. 20 game for fund-raising.

Half of proceeds from sale of the $21 tickets for families of 4-6 people will go to the church, said Charles Hilton, financial secretary for . He said the supply of tickets isn't likely to run out - the Pawsox have reserved an entire section of McCoy Stadium for them. That's about 500 seats.

On game day, the Pawsox will make an additional donation to the church and announce the total amount raised for The River First UMC.

Jeff Bradley, director of community relations with the Pawsox, said they were in talks with The River First UMC to offer the tickets at the time of the thefts. The Pawsox offer non-profit groups with official 503 status tickets to use in their fundraisers, he said, with a portion of the proceeds going to the non-profit. When they learned of the thefts, "It made this even a more important outreach," Bradley said, "It seemed like the a perfect opportunity to assist them in efforts to replace some of the financial loss."

Hilton said the church has also been loaned computer equipment from Pastor Duane Clanker of Open Table of Christ of Providence and Pastor Barry Burdic of Grace United Methodist Church in Westerly until they're able to replace the stolen computers.

Hilton said the church has also received an outpouring of support and thanks for the services they provide the community, as well as donations. He said he and the other staff members are very grateful for the kind words and help.

To buy tickets, people will have to buy one from a church staff member at the office at 17 Federal St., or call 401-765-2412 to reserve tickets.