Third Annual Fund-raiser to Benefit Rick’s Place

WILBRAHAM — Rick’s Place Inc. has slated its third annual fund-raising event, Heart to Heart, for Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. at the Ludlow Country Club.

Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. Rick’s Place offers biweekly bereavement support at no cost for children ages 5-18 and their families, facilitates groups for students, and conducts trainings for staff in area schools.

“At this event in 2010 we doubled our attendance, so we are very excited to see how much more it will grow this year,” said Shelly Bathe Lenn, executive director of Rick’s Place. “The generosity and support from those in Wilbraham and beyond has been amazing.”

Heart to Heart tickets for dinner, chocolate, and dancing, with music by the band Exit 8, cost $50. Additionally, there will be a teacup auction and grand prize raffle drawing. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to Rick’s Place, contact Bathe Lenn at (413) 348-3120 or visit www.ricksplacema.org.