By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Northborough – The aroma of pancakes, sausage and freshly brewed coffee greeted over 200 guests on March 24 at the Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School, located at 31 Maple St. in Northborough, when the Northborough Rotary Club held their 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Jazz Pancake Breakfast.
Members of the Rotary’s Interact Club, an even dozen, were also in force and helped serve coffee and clear tables.
Pat Doyle, the club’s former president, said that in the 48 years of raising funds for scholarships they had raised approximately $500,000. Last year they awarded $7,000. That was only possible, she said, due to the support of local businesses who bought advertising space on their breakfast placemats.
“I’d also like to acknowledge our major sponsors who include the Shay Family, Tougas Family Farm, Central One Federal Credit Union and A.J. Tomaiolo’s Restaurant, and so many others.” Doyle added.
A “jazz” pancake breakfast wouldn’t be complete without the stylings of the Sunnyside Swing Band from Westborough and Worcester based Joy of Music Program (JOMP) whose members are high school freshmen. There was also a 50/50 raffle.
Representatives from the Town Common committee were also on hand to sell bricks in support of future enhancements of the soon to be built project. They expect ground breaking to take place any day. Bricks are available for $100 and information can be found by visiting the Facebook page Northborough Town Common- Buy a Brick Fundraiser.
The club also collected items for their Nutrition 68 program. Presently based at Proctor School, it provides backpacks filled with food for students who receive free lunches; many of whom experience hunger over the weekend. Backpacks are designed to help get them through a weekend which is the equivalent of 68 hours. Rotary hopes to expand the project to the town’s other schools.
For more information about the Northborough Rotary Club, visit its Facebook page.
Photos/Melanie Petrucci
