MIDDLEBORO — Brave souls overcame the elements on Saturday, March 4 to enjoy a night out at the Middleboro Elks and help local students pursue their goals.

The Middleboro Friends organization held its Sylvia Scholarship fundraiser, which has been held annually for over 10 years to honor the late Select Board member Vic Sylvia.

The scholarship benefits students pursuing two of Sylvia’s top priorities throughout his life: preserving the environment and combating multiple sclerosis which affected the town at an above-average rate while he was on the board, according to fundraiser organizer Mimi Duphily.

Middleboro Friends decides the scholarship winners. Students in high school and college are eligible.

The event also had raffles to help raise funds for students’ academic endeavors. Guests could take a chance on winning either a gardening kit, a beach basket, or a board filled with scratch-off tickets and a $50 bill—just in case the lottery tickets didn’t come up with anything good.

In addition to the Sylvia Scholarship, Middleboro Friends holds events throughout the year.

“We try to help out small groups where $400 to $500 will make a difference,” Duphily said.

Other events by Middleboro Friends include a pancake breakfast at the Council on Aging and free summer concerts on the Town Hall lawn.

Local band Otto’s Underground, which performed at Saturday’s fundraiser, is a staple of the summer concert series.

The organization makes money through selling food and drinks at these events, and the proceeds from those are donated to local groups including the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts, Boro Bots, and the Christmas parade through town.