E-Day Annual Giveback Fundraiser Seeks to Help New Bedford Kids

Maurice Barnes has lived on the West Coast for years, but still considers New Bedford his home. Barnes will return to the city next week to oversee a community fundraiser to honor his younger brother Ethan, who committed suicide in 2022.

The three-day event is called "E-Day: The Annual Giveback," and it will be held on May 25, 26 and 27. Maurice Barnes visited Townsquare Sunday to talk about his brother and share details about the fundraiser.

Barnes said all of the proceeds will be donated to the New Bedford Boys and Girls Club, a place he often attended while growing up here. He's hoping to raise up to $20,000.

"Last year we held a one-day event and raised about $6,000," Barnes said. "We added more days this year because a lot of people couldn't attend on the one day last year. We're hoping to get a little more traffic and reach our goal."

How E-Day: The Annual Giveback Will Work

May 25 will start at 11:45 a.m. with a church service at New Life Southcoast, 1331 Cove Road, to be followed immediately by a brunch at the Panthers Club at 43 Madeira Ave.  Top Shelf Restaurant is sponsoring the brunch.

On May 26, the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge at 308 Cottage Street will host Day 2 of the fundraiser, featuring Izzy's Food Truck and an ice cream truck. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The fundraiser concludes on Tuesday, May 27 with a motorcycle ride starting at 5 p.m. from New Bedford High School, followed by a pasta dinner at Top Shelf Bar and Grill, 1825 Acushnet Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m.

"My brother was big into Harleys," Barnes said. "Many of his friends took part in last year's ride, there were about 30 of us. We rode through the city and stopped at Top Shelf where we enjoyed the pasta dinner."

Barnes said both Izzy's and Top Shelf will donate all proceeds to the Boys and Girls Club. Private donations are also welcome.

"My brother Ethan was the best," Barnes said. "He was a great brother and a great dad. His family and friends come together to make this event happen. The goal is obviously to keep my brother's name alive, but hopefully with our donations, we can help keep other people alive, too. "

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