By Sonia Essaibi
Special to the Reporter

The Mayor of Dorchester campaign is in full fundraising swing with a number of events taking place across Dorchester in the last remaining weeks of the race. The three contenders vying for the title have a healthy dose of competition, but it's all for a good cause.

"No sabotage yet. It could come to that, you know," John O'Toole, PJ Trapani's campaign manager and a former candidate himself, said with a chuckle.

This Saturday, O'Toole wants people to come out for a Kentucky Derby Party at the Blarney Stone in Fields Corner at 3 p.m. For a $10 donation, attendees can enjoy the race on the bar's jumbo-tron and the ladies are invited to come in the Kentucky Derby tradition: decked-out hats. Local celebrities will judge the best one.

Ryan Woods, also contesting for the title, said that one of the most memorable parts of the race so far was during a karaoke night at Phillips Old Colony House. The McCormack Civic Association's Millie Rooney and City Council President Maureen Feeney sang a duet of Patsy Cline's "Crazy."

"Someone bid over a hundred dollars just to hear them sing," he said. Woods calls the parade "a great venue to bring people together," and said that he's happy to do his part to fundraise.

Candidate Gloria-Ann Vieira is doing all she can to raise money that will help defray the costs of the parade, which add up to several thousands every year.

"I've been going to a lot of community meetings to spread the word about running for mayor," said the Uphams Corner resident. This Thursday, she'll be hosting a trivia night at Seven 50 Grille at 750 Dudley Street at 6:30 pm. For $15, Vieira said people come for food, trivia, and prizes.

"I want to show people that Uphams Corner is a cool place," she said.

A touching moment for her is when she received a letter in the mail from a Dorchester resident who showed his support and said he loved the campaign.

"It's been cool getting that feedback," she said.

Next Saturday, May 10, Vieira will be hosting a Ten Pin Bowling Tournament from noon to 2 p.m. at Boston Bowl on Morrissey Boulevard. Tickets are $20, and those who want to play should call Vieira at 617-233-9177 to pre-register.

After bowling, people are invited to take those competitive skills at Trapani's Texas Hold 'Em tournament starting at 3 p.m., with a Texas-style BBQ at 6p.m. Anyone interested can call O'Toole at 617-201-7866. This event is $10.

After your fill of a Texan goodtime, Woods's supporters can come out to Blessed Mother Teresa's that night from 7 to 10 p.m. for dancing, drinks, and auctions held in the school's auditorium on Savin Hill Avenue. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door.

In the last few weeks before the contenders hand in their money on May 19 they are keeping tight-lipped about the amount of money raised.

"We can't disclose that," said O'Toole, adding that it is top-secret information that can compromise the campaign. He will say this: "We're very pleased at the overwhelming support."

Woods, also mum about the amount, drops a hint: "We're doing well, but we got a lot more to do."

"It's a fun tradition and we want to keep it going so we appreciate everyone's support," Woods said.

Additional events include a scavenger hunt on May 17th hosted by Woods at the Old Dorchester Post in Adams Village from 6:30-9 p.m., with raffles, music, and drinks until midnight. To sign up for the hunt, call Woods at 617-823-5759. Tickets are $20.

Vieira will also host a Vendor Day House Party on May 18 from 1:30 to 6 p.m., with raffles to win gifts from brands like Traveling Vineyard, Party Lite Candles, and Arbonne Skin Care.