Dighton Dad Sparks Touch-a-Truck Fundraiser for Acushnet School

When it comes to school fundraisers, most parents sell raffle tickets, chocolates or attend the annual benefit banquet. However, Bryan Nadeau of Dighton is taking things to the next level.

As a parent of a student at Saint Francis Xavier School in Acushnet, Nadeau is launching the school’s first-ever Touch-a-Truck and Craft Fair on Saturday, September 13 as an alternative, yet fun, way to support his daughter's school.

The event will take place in the school’s parking lot at 223 Main Street in Acushnet. Gates open at 11 a.m. with a sensory-friendly hour from 11 to noon, perfect for children who prefer lower noise levels and less stimulation. Then from noon until 2 p.m., the event opens fully to the public.

There will be a wide variety of emergency and utility vehicles on site, thanks to participation from the Acushnet Police and Fire Departments, Bristol County House of Correction (including a K9 demo), Massachusetts State Police and companies like Eversource, PJ Keating, JGA Construction, Preferred Concrete, Costa Brothers Masonry, US Mail, Renewal by Andersen, Rosewood Realty and even the National Guard.

Get our free mobile app

Food, Fun and a Fair Under One Roof

Blount Seafood and Kona Ice will provide food truck options, while an indoor craft fair, organized by fellow school parent Jenna Lynn, will showcase handmade goods and seasonal treats. There are still vendor spots available for those interested in participating.

To make the day even more exciting for families, there will be a Kid Zone with contributions from Home Depot, face painting by Silly Faces by Sarah and possible appearances by costumed characters.

Admission is $5 per person, capped at $20 per family.

A Fundraiser With a Mission

While the day promises family-friendly fun, it’s also rooted in purpose.

“Instead of constantly asking parents to sell things or donate, I wanted to create a community-wide event,” Nadeau said. “This is about showing what the school is all about while bringing Acushnet and Fairhaven families together.”

Saint Francis Xavier, which serves Pre-K3 through Grade 8, welcomed Nadeau’s idea with open arms. Principal Haley Rogers approved the event, which Nadeau hopes becomes a tradition for years to come.

How to Get Involved

In addition to attending, businesses can support the fundraiser by becoming event sponsors. Sponsorships come with perks like lawn signs, logos in a program booklet, mentions on social media, and T-shirt branding. To inquire about sponsorship or vendor availability, interested parties can reach out directly to the school or through event organizers.

For those who can’t attend in person, Nadeau also plans to host a Wiffle Ball Tournament in August as another creative way to support the school.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “If we can make fundraising fun and inclusive, everybody wins.”

If interested in sponsoring, please email Nadeau at bryannadeau163@aol.com for more information.