Flapjack Fundraiser Draws Crew Supporters
Every little bit helps. The Huntington High School crew team's recent flapjack fundraiser at Applebee's raised monies that will immediately be put to good use. A crowd numbering about 90 turned out for the affair, dining on pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, juice, tea and soda.
"The Applebee's fundraiser was a great show of support from our community and a fun gathering to launch the start of our spring season," said Amanda Meyer, one of the Blue Devils' assistant coaches. "Team members welcomed guests and their families and we were happy to see the number of new recruits interested in the team."
Proceeds from the event will be used for self-inflating life jacket rechargers the Blue Devils need for their doubles and singles, megaphones for the coaches to be heard across the water and if any monies remain, it will be put toward a replacement boat for the soon-to-be-retired Fury, a four-person racing shell.
Generating turnout for the fundraiser did not come without its challenges. A resumption of Daylight Savings Time kicked in a few hours earlier and the St. Patrick's Day parade was scheduled for the afternoon. Still, Friends of Huntington Crew felt it was a "nice crowd."
"This event was set for very early in the season, so there was not too much time to get the word out for larger numbers, but the athletes were wonderful, coming in early to help set-up, serving the guests, assisting in raffle sales and the 50/50, selling candy bars and most of all smiling and enjoying the experience," parent Marybeth Caputo said.
The crew team raises a good amount of money on its own each year to supplement the support it receives from the school district. Parent Jenn Donovan served as chief organizer of the flapjack fundraiser and along with Mrs. Caputo, did a great deal of work getting raffle baskets donated by merchants.
Mrs. Caputo made a point of thanking local stores on behalf of Huntington crew for their "generous contributions and the English family for its donation of our grand prize, a custom gaming chair with Bose speakers and embroidered with the Huntington crew logo."
Friends of Huntington Crew will hold a retirement party for the Fury on Friday, March 23 at the Huntington Yacht Club. The fun begins at 7 p.m. and runs into the later evening. Tickets are on sale for $25. The special affair will feature savory snacks and assorted delicious appetizers with drinks served as "happy hour" prices. "Fabulous" raffle baskets will also be available.
Funds for the evening will go toward replacing the 1985 year old shell. "These shells are used by the novice rowers to train and compete," head coach Marc Jensen said.
The March 23 fundraising reception is open to the entire community. Tickets are required and can be purchased by contacting Jenn Donovan (mjdon@optonline.net or 631-351-5772) or Marybeth Caputo (caputo5outagain@aol.com or 631-944-1541).