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NORTH ATTLEBORO - In an event that warmed the heart as much as warming homes, more than $10,000 was raised last weekend for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a community program that helps residents pay for home heating and other costs.

A full house arrived at Cafe Porto Bello Sunday for the third annual dinner fundraiser for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the community assistance fund founded by Sherry and Selectman John Rhyno in 2005.

"We've raised over ten thousand dollars," John Rhyno said. "I feel the main reason that North Attleboro is rated one of the 100 best communities in which to live is because of our residents. They sincerely care about their neighbors, and it shows."

The Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraiser went a long way to strengthen the charitable fund for North Attleboro and Attleboro residents in need of home fuel assistance, mandated prescription medicine, food and other essentials.

Rhyno said the sold-out event was boosted by donations from local businesses such as Suzanne Soares of Newport Cutters on Newport Avenue in Pawtucket, who donated gift baskets to accompany certificates that were provided by the Flower Studio, Nolan's Flowers, Quan's Kitchen, Ronzio Pizza, the Town Restaurant, Norm's Seafood Restaurant, Fresh Catch, Big Red Barber Shop, Innovative Styles Salon, Ernie's Head Quarters, LA Roberts and Bagels and Cream. In addition, the Jazz Set provided music during the event.