SEEKONK- When you think of fundraising, you think of car washes, bake sales, and spaghetti suppers. But when it comes to this couple, expect the unexpected.

On Friday, Sept. 25, at Woodworth Hall behind Seekonk Congregational Church, a fundraiser sponsored by Eastern Pro Wrestling was held to raise money for the wedding of Richard “Rocco Abruzzi” Palumbo and Stephanie Bergeron. There were six matches, and the final challenge was between “Epic” Mike Bennett and Mr. Palumbo. “Brutal” Bob Evans, Steve “the Turtle” Weiner, Fire Cat, and Owen Graichen were just some of the fighters in the ring.

The idea was sprung from Mr. Evans, a fellow wrestler and friend of Mr. Palumbo. He has taken him under his wing and bred him into a wrestler over the past five years.

“He’s like a brother to me” said Mr. Evans.

“They both work and want to make things happen. They’ve been a big help doing nice things for me. So this was the best way to contribute.”

Eastern Pro Wrestling has done fundraisers in the past and will continue in the future.

“I was looking for wrestling schools, and Bob was the only one who got back to me,” said Mr. Palumbo.

He started wrestling with Eastern Pro Wrestling five years ago.

“I thought this was a really cool idea to hold this event to help with the wedding.”

The night started off between Fire Cat and “The Giant” Rob Araujo. Between yelling, stomping, and a lot of thumping, the crowd was entertained by the wrestlers’ antics. Some of the wrestlers got into the faces of some in the crowd, while others egged the crowd to cheer for them. There were a variety of costumes and props used, anywhere from turtle outfits to jackets and chairs. Nothing was left out of imagination.

During the fight between Mr. Bennett and Mr. Palumbo, “Stop being a baby!” was yelled by a young child in the crowd, when Mr. Bennett was stalling in the match. After much taunting and fighting, Mr. Palumbo won the match.

The couple met at Mt. Hope High School. Last December, the groom-to-be proposed.

“He couldn’t wait for Christmas, so he proposed early” said Ms. Bergeron.

They had been dating for about a year and a half prior to the engagement.

“I don’t like wrestling, but I support him,” she said.

She works at group home, while Mr. Palumbo is a landscaper. Both of them come from very large families; he has six siblings, she has five. She enjoys spending time with family.

“She’s the right girl for him; she has been very supportive of the wrestling,” said Mr. Evans.

They plan to have a wedding no one will forget. This coming Halloween at Francis Farms in Rehoboth, the happy couple will be married. They are having a Halloween themed wedding. While the bride and groom will be dressed normally, the guests have the choice of dressing up in costume. There will be a costume contest in which the best costume wins some cash. Guests will also be trick or treating during the reception. There will also be karaoke as well. The cake topping will feature “Jack and Sally” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” movie, which also lights up. The couple’s favorite holiday is; you guessed it, is Halloween.

To add some flavor to the mix, they will be having a Hawaiian buffet as well.

“We wanted a wedding everyone would remember and enjoy. We didn’t want it to be just another wedding someone went to. We wanted them to actually remember it,” said Ms. Bergeron.

The couple plans to have a honeymoon in Las Vegas.

Check out Eastern Pro Wrestling at www.epwwrestling.com for events, wrestler’s bios and other information.