he Hudson Board of Selectmen used its most recent meeting to recognize the volunteers, town staff, and community members who helped make Hudson Old Home Day and National Night Out successful once again this year. Selectmen praised the turnout, the energy, and especially the generosity shown during the Old Home Day fundraiser benefiting the Alvirne Touchdown Club, which brought in more than $3,000 for the program.
Selectman Kimberly Allan offered an enthusiastic thank-you to everyone who stepped up to participate in the Touchdown Club’s dunk tank fundraiser, a crowd-favorite attraction during Old Home Day. She noted that Hudson Fire provided the water – “as murky as it was,” she joked – and thanked Town Administrator Roy Sorenson, Selectman Dillon Dumont, Deputy Chief McElhinney, and Officer Ron Cloutier, who jumped in at the last minute to help raise money for student athletes.
Allan said the fundraiser also drew support from Middle School Principal Keith Bowen and Steve Campo, who volunteered to take their turn in the dunk tank. But the standout moment of the day came from Anna Banks, known for her work managing parking during Old Home Day. “Our big money maker was Anna Banks,” Allan said. “She made $620 in 15 minutes.” With donations from residents and the efforts of volunteers, the Touchdown Club ultimately raised more than $3,000, money that Allan said “provides everything that our football athletes need.”
Allan also used the meeting to highlight another upcoming community event: Project Blackout, the annual “stamping out childhood cancer” game scheduled for October 16. She encouraged residents to attend and noted that Blackout shirts have been ordered, with extras available for purchase. “It’s going to be a sea of black,” she said. “We honor families of those who have passed, beaten cancer, or are currently going through treatment. Last year, we raised over $15,000, and it is a local organization that started out of Windham.”
Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Bob Guessferd shifted the focus to National Night Out, praising the collaboration between departments and the turnout from residents. “Every year it gets bigger and better,” he said. “It comes the same week as Old Home Days, and it’s a real opportunity for our town to come together. It’s a showcase for this town.” Guessferd noted that the event is jointly organized by the library and the police department, with participation from fire, DPW, and numerous community organizations.
Selectman Dillon Dumont echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the behind-the-scenes work that makes both events possible. “They always show up and are very receptive to being active and helping out and being a part of the community, whether they live here or not,” he said. He praised the volunteers who donate their time year after year. “It goes a little bit unnoticed how much work actually goes behind the scenes. Both of those events are done with volunteers and donations. It’s really, really amazing.