Efforts of Portland Church Youth Group Praised at Capitol

Middle and high school students who raised money for the Saint Francis Hospital Foundation visited Hartford on Friday to hand deliver more than $3,000 to doctors who provide critical medical care in impoverished nations, state Rep. Christie Carpino said.

Roughly 30 students, members of the St. Mary’s Church youth group in Portland, raised about $4,500 through a rock-a-thon - a 24-hour event that had participants secure pledges then “rock” in rocking chairs. The event was held Feb. 5 and 6. The group donated $3,500 to the hospital’s foundation, which was created to help the hospital support outreach and prevention programs and add equipment and technology.

Carpino, R-Cromwell, who represents Cromwell, Middletown and Portland, organized the meeting at the Capitol between the student advocates and the doctors with the help of church volunteer Maria Librio Judge.

“These kids are tremendous,” said Carpino, standing in the House chamber flanked by rocking chair fundraisers. “They truly understand giving back.”

Carpino, in a special ceremony, gave the students a citation from the General Assembly.

“I’m very proud of what they’ve done and I think they’re going to be wonderful role models for their peers,” said Carpino, a member of the legislature’s Education Committee.

Members of the two-year-old church youth group will use the remainder of their fundraising proceeds to further its activities of goodwill.

Craft fair Saturday: The Ladies Guild will be holding a craft fair on Saturday in the Church hall, 51 Freestone Ave. The day starts at 8:30 a.m. Buy some nice crafts and have breakfast, shop a little more, and stay for lunch. Lots of crafts and fun all day.