New Bedford Fish Fry to Benefit Trade Students

Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, Inc. hands dozens of scholarships every year to deserving students on the SouthCoast planning to attend college.

But what about vocational or trade students who don't plan to attend college, but plan on working in their trade instead? There is little financial help for them.

For the past two years, Club Madeirense's Vocational Awards Committee has sought to raise money to help vocational and technical students pay the cost of tools, fees and licenses that are needed to practice their trade.

As part of its fundraising effort, the Awards Committee is staging its third annual fish fry on Friday, March 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Feast Grounds on Madeira Avenue in the North End.

Committee members Steve Duarte and Mike Jesus stopped by Townsquare Sunday this week and said all the proceeds raised at this year's fish fry will go to help vocational and technical students get started in their chosen trade.

"I have friends who are electricians and plumbers, and they tell me how much tools and license fees cost when the kids graduate from their vocational programs and are ready to go to work," Jesus said. "It's a lot of money, so our thought was we need to not only give to kids who are going to college, but also to those who are entering a trade."

The awards are for $1,000. The winners are chosen by the committee with recommendations from vocational schools in the region.

Both Duarte and Jesus said the best way to help out is to attend the March 31 fish fry. Tickets are $20 for fish and chips plus chowder, and $25 for fish and chips, chowder and scallops, and can be purchased online.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program, heard Sundays at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on WBSM.

The program highlights organizations and individuals striving to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.