By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Friends and families flocked to the Newman Elementary School as the Rotary Club held their annual pancake breakfast. Fluffy pancakes with savory sausages immersed in golden-delicious maple syrup were on the menu.
The parking lot was consistently full throughout the morning as many were eager to enjoy this incredible breakfast. Before entering the cafeteria, attendees were able to check out a Needham Fire Department fire truck that was parked right out front. Community Resource Pup, Rocket, was also in attendance alongside his handler, Needham Police Officer Anthony Frongillo.
Upon sitting down to eat one’s breakfast, placemats were set up on each table and included the different businesses sponsoring the event. This gathering created a great opportunity to talk with your neighbors and just enjoy each other's company, all for a great cause.
The Rotary Club provided games for the children in attendance to enjoy as well. Some of these games included a version of Plinko, Football Toss, Pork Chop Speedway, Hockey Shoot, Potty Pitch, Lollipop Tree and more. There was also a face painting station for the kids to try out.
New to the event this year was the set up of a ShelterBox tent next to the check in table. President of the Rotary Club, Don DeVeuve, explained that these boxes were originally started by Rotary Clubs in England. “ShelterBox is now a global organization,” DeVeuve explained, “that provides temporary shelter for people displaced by natural disasters and fighting, like that in Gaza. It was founded by Rotary Clubs in England. They come in these big boxes and are equipped with the things one would need for the certain type of situation they are in. The tents vary as well as the items inside which could include solar lights and standard tools.”
The Rotary Club of Needham donates to this organization every year as well as other local and national organizations. The money they raise from this event and others within the community go on to help such meaningful causes both for Needham and beyond.
