BERNARDSTON — Proceeds from the Bernardston Kiwanis Club’s final chicken pot pie fundraiser of the year will support The United Arc in remembrance of late Bernardston resident Lillian Deane.

Kiwanis Club member Dan Devine said Deane’s husband, Russell, 95, is a longtime and founding member of the Kiwanis Club, and this memorial dinner is an annual opportunity to drum up support for an organization that meant so much to Lillian Deane.

“We’re trying to raise some money so they can have fun somehow, someway,” Devine said of The United Arc. “Lillian used to try and make people’s lives a little better, simpler and a little more fun.”

The United Arc, founded in 1951 by Rita Marguerite Canedy and incorporated in 1960, serves clients living with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester counties through its offices in Greenfield, Turners Falls, Holyoke and Athol.

The chicken pot pie dinner will be held Saturday, April 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with continuous serving. Takeout options are also available. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children. Each meal includes chicken pot pie, butternut squash, cranberry sauce, a roll, drinks and Russell Deane’s homemade carrot cake.

To reserve a meal, call Kiwanis Club member Joel Cole at 413-834-5484.

Russell and Lillian Deane began their relationship with The Arc around 1965 and both served on the board of directors. They raised their daughter, Nancy Lee, who had Down syndrome and benefited from the agency’s services.

With such a dedication to The United Arc and the Kiwanis Club, Devine said it’s only right that the club help Russell out in memory of his wife. The club has been putting on the memorial dinner since 2017.

“I think she smiles down on this event, like, ‘Keep it up troops,’” he said of Lillian.

The club expects to serve more than 100 meals. This is the final of four chicken pot pie dinners, which are held on the last Saturday of January, February, March and April. Previous dinners this year raised money for the Pioneer Valley Regional School band, the Kiwanis Club’s annual activities and the Cub Scouts.

“Thanks to all the people who help us,” Devine said. “Time and again, we don’t do these alone, ever.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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