Breakfast with the Bands Fundraiser Awards
Submitted by Dr. D. Michael Hart
Fundraising Chair Tony LaPorta announced awards for the recent Rotary fundraiser called Breakfast with the Bands. The purpose of the fundraiser was to offer college scholarships to Westfield high school seniors and also to help the homeless veterans living at Lyons VA Hospital.
Since the covid shutdown, the club has been unable to run any social events or fundraisers, so the outcome was uncertain. We were not sure if the public would come out to an event. However, we had a good attendance and Tony LaPorta considers this event a “complete success.”
The event was started in 1967 as Pancake Day. The name was changed recently to reflect the aspect that the local high school and middle school bands participate. In addition, some school choruses and a group from the Westfield High School musical Mama Mia! Participated.
Tony expresses his thanks to every Rotarian who participated, especially the chairs. Most of the 50 Rotarians in the club participated in the actual hands- on event. In addition, the Rotary District Governor, Shelby Rhodes, participated with her set of chef knives, cutting up fruit in the kitchen. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, plus high school Interact Service Club members participated. With 100 volunteers to help run the program, it is truly a community event. Over 400 meals were served.
Chairman of the Committee: Tony LaPorta; Bands & Master of Ceremony: Liz Ensslin; Food and Kitchen Operations: Ray Kostyack; Photography: Chung Kun Shih; Placemats: Bill Bonsall; Publicity & 50 – 50 Raffle: Lauren Barr; Rotary Shirts & Desk: Michael Hart; Sponsorships: Blake Width and Warren Rorden; Technology: Brendan Bertsch; Treasurer: Lou DaCosta; Volunteers: Heidi Caponigro
The selection of the award winners was difficult because everyone worked so hard.
The Honorable Mention goes to Warren Rorden for his work on obtaining sponsorships from local businesses. He was given a box of pancake mix as a friendly token. The Winner of the Golden Pancake Award is Ray Kostyack for attending the food deliveries and organizing and managing the kitchen activities. Ray was given a shadow box with plastic pancakes mounted inside.
The Rotary Club of Westfield meets 3 Tuesdays per month at noon. Some meetings are held virtually by Zoom, and some are in person at local restaurants. Guests are always welcome. For information contact Secretary Dr. D. Michael Hart drmhart@yahoo.com.
Courtesy photo
