When the weather turns cooler, it’s time for traditions and comfort. One of the most beloved traditions in town is the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Annual Pumpkin Patch fundraiser. Spread out over the lawn on the church’s south side, 2911 N. Main St., hundreds of pumpkins are waiting for new owners.
The popular event is a fundraiser for various charitable organizations in town, including St. Mark’s very own homeless assistance program and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaves and Lincoln Counties’ Roswell location.
The Roswell Club is a New Mexico state-licensed after-school care provider that offers programs during the school year and summer. The club has a long history, dating back to its founding in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut, when female leaders opened the earliest clubs to keep local boys away from the streets and gangs. At the beginning, activities such as boxing and gym games were taught. Then hands-on practical skills like woodworking were added.
The first club in New Mexico came fairly late. It was established in 1960 in Farmington. Only five years later, Roswell’s club joined the movement.
There have been many famous men and women who found a second home with the club. One of the most famous, who actually helped the Roswell Club, was no other than the renowned actor Denzel Washington. In 2009, while filming the movie “The Book of Eli” in Albuquerque, the two-time Oscar winner heard that the Roswell club was facing severe financial troubles and was expected to close, which was featured in the Roswell Daily Record at the time. As a former club member himself, Washington stepped in and presented a $50,000 personal donation.
Ever since, the club has been thriving again, also thanks to the many supporters it has, such as St. Mark’s.
The pumpkin patch is open starting Saturday until Oct. 31, Mondays-Fridays, 2-6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays noon-6 p.m. For more information, call 575-623-0519.
