SAULT STE. MARIE — For one weekend only, the Sault will get to experience the 1970s all over again.
People can dress as one of television’s most iconic characters and help raise funds for Hospice of the EUP during the 2nd Annual Helens For Hospice event on Friday, Sept. 19.
The fundraiser will include a cruise on the St. Marys River, a silent auction, music, food and a bevy of Mrs. Ropers. Guests are encouraged to dress up as Helen Roper from the popular sitcom “Three’s Company,” and there will even be a costume contest to determine the best one.
According to a 2024 report from NPR, these outings, better known as Mrs. Roper Romps, are inspired by the “loopy landlady” character embodied by actress Audra Lindley from 1977 to 1984. The romps began in 2013 in New Orleans, but have since popped up all around the country.
“This is so popular, when we did it last year we had people from Toronto calling us and asking about it,” said Mark St. Angelo. “We had people from the Lower Peninsula driving up to come be in this event.”
St. Angelo is the radio operations manager for WSOO 1230. The local radio station helped put together the themed event last year after learning about Roper Romps.
Deciding to use the event as a way to support Hospice of the EUP was an easy choice, St. Angelo said, because of how important the hospice center is for the community.
“We wanted it to be a fundraiser for Hospice of the EUP, which is totally funded by donations from the public,” he said. “They don’t charge anybody for their services when they treat people, so they need to be supported.”
Last year’s fundraiser sold out its seats and raised more than $3,000 for the hospice. This year, they are expecting to sell out again and Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours has offered to donate the time on the boat, so the hospice could receive even more.
The event includes a number of “Three’s Company” themed activities, including trivia and a cash bar called the Regal Beagle, in reference to the show.
“One of the highlights from last year was when we went through the locks and there’s people on the observation deck watching us go by and we started playing the ‘Three’s Company’ theme,” said St. Angelo. “Everybody on the boat was singing and all of a sudden people could see this big group of Helen Ropers being revealed and everybody started clapping and laughing and having a good time.”
The event takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, boarding at the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours dock. Tickets can be purchased online.
“We’re excited for the creativity of the event and it’s a fun way to go out and enjoy the day with other people,” said hospice event coordinator Mary Jo Duvall.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Mrs. Roper Romp returns: Celebrate 70s sitcom and Hospice of the EUP with themed fundraiser
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
