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Reds "Grande Dames" to Receive Awards

Providence, RI (7/16/2018): A fan, or fanatic, is a person who is enthusiastically devoted to the cause. This year's Frank E. McCaffrey memorial "Fan of the Year" awards will be presented to Helen Duffy, wife of George Patrick Duffy, the "Radio Voice of the Rhode Island Reds," Marielle Mayer, wife of the late Gilles Mayer, Reds outstanding and impenetrable goalie, and Shirley Toppazzini, wife of the late Zellio Toppazzini, Reds' "Player of the Century."

Their awards will be presented on Saturday night, August 4, as part of the Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society's 18th annual reunion dinner/dance at Chelo's banquet facility on Post Road in Warwick. Guest speaker for the event will be Jack Edwards, Boston Bruins' colorful television broadcaster.

Through their many years of marriage, these women were their husbands' support systems. They ran the “Roost” when their hubbies were away on road trips; they raised the children, handled the finances, cooked and cleaned their homes. They didn't take a lot of vacations as their men had to work during every off-season because of meager player salary contracts of the 1950s-60s.

The Reds "Grande Dames" were devoted to their husbands and the team and were always supportive whether the Reds had a good game or bad game…good season or poor. These three wonderful ladies continue to attend the team's annual reunions, although their husbands are no longer with us.

For information and reservations to the event contact Mal Goldenberg at 401-782-6623 or mal@rmcri.com. Deadline for reservations is July 24. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

For further information call 401-230-5905 or e-mail RIREDS15@gmail.com.

R. I. Reds Heritage Society
PO Box 504 Lincoln, RI 02895
Telephone: 401-230-5905
email: RIREDS15@gmail.com