Annual Youth Homelessness Fundraising Event Returning To Westborough

WESTBOROUGH, MA - "A Night In The Cold," an annual "sleepout" event, will be held in Westborough on Saturday, March 1, to spread awareness for youth homelessness throughout the state.

John Bogaert, a resident of Westborough for 20 years, started the fundraising event five years ago in order to raise attention for several homeless-related issues across the state. He and his team of volunteers have taken in nearly $100,000 in donations for Horizons for Homeless Children, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and Abby's House.

"Homelessness is an issue that needs to be managed," Bogaert said. "Like a vehicle, you need to keep putting fuel in for it to run." Bogaert and his volunteers will spend the day outside in the parking lot of Colonial Plaza on 45 E. Main St. soliciting donations.

That night, they'll sleep outside in a sort of mirror of the many homeless people in the Commonwealth that have to brave frigid winter conditions.

While temperatures have shifted to the '50s, a dramatic 41-degree shift will have Westborough's homeless sleeping in a 13-degree chill by morning. Additional winds will make the frigid air feel like 1 degree.

"Future generations are going to inherit the task of managing it, so it is very important they are aware of the issue and the different ways they can help," Bogaert said.

Word has gotten out to some members of those generations, as Westborough High School's Westborough Helps The Homeless Club will volunteer the day of to hold signs outside.

"A Night In The Cold" has raised over $90,000 in its four years, and in its fifth Bogaert hopes they can leapfrog the $100K mark.

"I'm excited about the potential to break $100,000 total raised," he said. "We are very fortunate to live in a town surrounded by generous and compassionate people."