By Theresa Knapp 

What started 20 years ago as a neighborhood holiday party has steadily grown into an annual fundraiser that supports local causes. 

In 2002, Susan Rozak and Janet Jackson – both residents of “the neighborhood across from the High School” – started an annual gathering to celebrate the holiday season. Each year the event grew and organizers decided to give any proceeds, after expenses, to various local families and causes. Around 2010, Rachael Peterson and Cindy Slayton became involved with the committee now known as ‘Medway Gives Back.’ 

Slayton said, “We thought, ‘Why don’t we try to make this a fundraiser and hold a raffle and a silent auction for families who are in need around the holidays’, and we’ve raised more than $20,000 for local families and local charities through the years.” 

As of press time, the committee did not have a final tally from its 2022 event, but the 2021 event raised $5,000. 

The December event was held at the Franklin Elks Lodge and included dinner, dancing, and raffle prizes. 

All profits go right back into the community to help neighbors in need, according to organizers. In the past Medway Gives Back has supported the Maddie Lamson Scholarship Fund, Medway Children’s Memory Garden, Medway Family Shelter, Medway Food Pantry, Medway Holiday Fund for Families, Ryan Harvey Foundation, and more. 

Guests were also encouraged to bring a canned food item for the Food Pantry, and they received an extra raffle ticket if they did so. Raffle items included gift certificates for personal services, home improvements, home goods, restaurants and other area businesses, auto services, concert tickets, electronics, and much more. 

Recently, a new committee was named and includes Katie Ann McDermott, Lauren Alessi, Angela Herbert, Susan Rozak, Cindy Slayton, and Tonya Green. For more information on the group, visit @Medway Gives Back on Facebook.