State Rep. Ed Coppinger is a pro-active kind of guy and doesn't want to see what happened last year, when he and Leader Bank needed to donate last minute holiday decorations for Centre Street. Thus he is leading a fundraiser for the West Roxbury business district on September 28 to raise funds for holiday decorations for this winter season.

Last year, Coppinger, with the help of IBEW Local 103 and volunteers, put up wreaths and bows along Centre Street, funded by the rep and Leader Bank (who he works for). Centre Street has traditionally had holiday wreaths and decorations.

“Every time you go to a mall or visit downtown Boston to do some Christmas shopping, you walk into places that are beautifully decorated to celebrate the holidays. By decorating West Roxbury in a similar fashion, I hope to encourage more people to visit our local small businesses to shop and go out for dinner,” said Coppinger.

“Last year, thanks to Leader Bank, my friend Keith Barry, IBEW Local 103 and a number of volunteers, I was able to purchase wreaths and put them up on Centre Street,” added Coppinger.

Coppinger is sponsoring the fundraiser along with the West Roxbury Business and Professional Association at the Irish Social Club. It will be on Friday, Sept. 28 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Fenian Sons Band and DJ George Manning are donating their time for the event. Tickets are $10 at the door. There will also be numerous raffles.

And even in a mere couple of days, the fundraiser has already generated the type of generosity the West Roxbury community is known for.

"Since announcing this fundraiser just a few days ago, I am amazed at the support I am receiving from the community. Not only did The Fenian Sons and DJ George Manning volunteer their time and talents for the event, but I have received many calls and emails from individuals and business owners in the community who want to volunteer at the fundraiser. This will truly be a grassroots community event and I am thankful for everyone that wants to be involved," Coppinger told Patch.

Having the fundraiser at the Irish Social Club is also fitting, said Coppinger, “...it will not only mark the one year anniversary of the Save the Irish Social Club fundraiser, but also because the Club is itself an important local institution plays such a crucial role in our community.”