The West Hartford contingent of the Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be honoring Barbara Foley and Mark Jamin at an event on Saturday, Jan. 26.

By Ronni Newton

The two West Hartford residents who have been chosen to represent the town at this year’s Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be honored at a reception and fundraiser Saturday night at West Hartford Town Hall.

Barbara Foley has been chosen as West Hartford marshal for this year’s parade, and Mark Jamin is this year’s honoree.

Foley is the founder of Ron’s Run for the Rose’s and the Ron Foley Foundation – which raise awareness and funds for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and care for patients and their families. Foley’s husband, Ron, died of pancreatic cancer in 2005.

Through its signature Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser, and other events, the Ron Foley Foundation has raised more than $2.2 million for the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Jamin moved to West Hartford with his family in 1997, and has been involved as a coach of youth sports and board member with multiple organizations.

He began coaching the alumni division of the West Hartford Youth Basketball League, and ultimately became division coordinator and then president of the league.

Jamin established the Michael Zullo Scholarship last year, named in honor of another longtime volunteer who had passed away. The scholarship is awarded to two WHYBL players and assists with college expenses.

Jamin has now “retired” from the league after 21 years of service.

Jamin has also been a volunteer and partner with West Hartford Special Olympics for the past five years, and established Special Olympics Sunday which serves as a fundraiser and awareness for the organization.

The reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the presentation begins at 7:30 p.m.

There is assigned seating and a $25 donation is suggested. Light refreshments, tea, and coffee will be served. The event is BYOB, and attendees are welcome to also bring additional food.

Entertainment will be provided by Billy Eagan and the Rising.

Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended as the event is typically a sell-out. For tickets ,call or email John Staunton at 860-676-3089 or [email protected], or call Kathleen Staunton at 860-888-4247.

The Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on March 9, stepping off at 11 a.m. from the State Capitol. More information is available not he parade website www.irishamericanparade.com.

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