Westborough 2023 'A Night In The Cold' Gains Support From Students

WESTBOROUGH, MA — A new annual tradition in Westborough that raises money for homeless residents will return this weekend, and the organizers will have some new help.

The third annual "A Night In The Cold" fundraiser will be held in the downtown Westborough area Saturday with organizers and supporters spending a day and night living outdoors and sleeping in cardboard boxes.

Founder John Bogaert will be joined outdoors this year by Westborough High School seniors Brady Henderson and Gray Sassetti. Members of the high school's new Westborough Helps the Homeless club will create signs for the event, spread awareness on social media and help during the daylong event.

"I would like this year's event to focus foremost on the cause, but also focus on the action that these students are taking to help people experiencing homelessness. I feel that these students are setting an example that will help ensure that future generations will spread awareness and feel inspired to continue to help those in need," Bogaert said.

Brady Henderson is the son of Scott Henderson, who has participated in past "A Night In The Cold" events.

"I think it is an important cause to participate in because of the sheer extent of people in the world who have to experience homelessness every day," Henderson said.

This year, proceeds from the event will go to the Abby's House, which operates a Worcester shelter for women and children, and works to find affordable housing for those groups. Previous night out events have raised over $50,000 for the Lynn-based Mass Coalition For The Homeless.

The 2023 "A Night In The Cold" will be held starting on Saturday at the Colonial Plaza, 45 East Main St. Donations can be made directly to volunteers on site, but also online at donate2homeless.org.