Chappaqua Rotary Pancake Breakfast to Kick-Off New Castle Events on Saturday, May 3
April 25, 2008
by John Ehrlich
Not only do Chappaqua Rotarians serve the community, they also know how to breakfast.
On Saturday morning, May 3, they are inviting all Chappaqua and Millwood residents to join them for their Annual Pancake Breakfast featuring their famous chocolate chip pancakes along with the regular kind and a chance to hobnob with neighbors and area notables.
The breakfast goes from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin (between Bell Middle School and the library). Admission is $7.00 with all proceeds going to local area causes and not-for-profit organizations.
More Than Pancakes - It’s All New Castle Getting Together
“We come every year...Wouldn’t miss it for the world” says Sandy Buetti, co-owner of Buetti Brothers and long time Rotary Member. “It’s really a great way for entire families to start their day.” A feeling echoed by Dr. Joseph Ciccone, who is one of many Chappaquans that brings three or more generations to the breakfast. “Not only do I come but my father’s family (owner of Greeley Barber Shop) and our little ones come too.” Multiple generations of Bustamante’s come each year, “It’s really a New Castle tradition!” claims Tony Bustamonte.
Don’t be surprised if Jerry Faiella, New Castle Town Administrator, cooks your pancakes or if Barbara Gerrard, Town Supervisor, takes your ticket. Both are Pancake Breakfast volunteers and Chappaqua Rotary members. Even Hillary has come to Rotary events, although she is not expected this year due to the campaign. But she is a regular at Rotary events. It’s a great opportunity to hobnob with town officials from all over Westchester. Suzie Oppenheimer (State Senator, 37th district) frequently comes as does Michael Kaplowitz (Westchester Board of Legislators) even Rob Astorino who ran against Andy Spano last year.
Local businesses and retailer ante up thousands of dollars for charity, too
The Pancake Breakfast is a real partnership between local businesses and neighbors. To raise money for local charities, besides the Pancake Breakfast Rotary members have sold advertising to over 100 local businesses and retailers according to Peter Davidson, Rotary President-Elect. “Ads at the $30 and $60 level alone will generate over $3000.” “Ads are being accepted through April 28th so businesses can still participate” he said. The businesses get exposure and create goodwill. Local not-for-profit organizations benefit.
Kick-off to a day full of New Castle events
The Breakfast is also timed and designed to feed the many residents that come into town for the Little League Parade or volunteer for the Town Clean-up and kick-off a day full of other New Castle events. It also nourishes donors who give blood at Community Blood Drive which runs concurrently with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast upstairs on the second floor. Blood donors receive complementary breakfast. And more than a few Pancake Breakfast attendees gather up their courage and agree to donate blood on the spot. Walk in donors are always welcome and encouraged at Rotary blood drives.
Chappaqua Rotary is the local chapter of Rotary International. The club is the preeminent service organization in New Castle and meets weekly on Mondays at 12:15 p.m. at the Crabtree Kittle House in Chappaqua, New York. The club also sponsors and runs events throughout the year including Community Day, the Annual Pancake Breakfast, Community Service Awards, Wine Tasting and two All Town Blood Drives. For more information on the club and its activities, contact John Buckley, President, at (914) 227-4201 or .
John Ehrlich is a Rotarian as well as NewCastleNOW.org’s intrepid ad salesperson, photographer and contributing writer.
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