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08/30/2018 05:19 PMFrom its inception in 1928, the Branford Rotary Club has been dedicated to serving the community. Through that first decade, when the grip of the Great Depression brought extraordinary hardship to many families, Branford Rotarians, many of whom were suffering just as profoundly, set the example for generations to come by providing assistance and support to those who needed it most.
This call to service has persevered uninterrupted throughout the years. And through the passage of time, the Branford Rotary has grown in both membership and resources to become one the state's largest and most effective service organizations. Now, in celebration of its own 50th anniversary, as well as the 90th of the Club, the Branford Rotary Club Foundation is hosting an event that reflects that dedication to service: "The Party at the Pond", to benefit the Smilow Center Hospital at Yale-New Haven and the Foundation's Scholarship Program.
Amidst pastoral elegance and under a giant tent beside a field of colorful mums, this extraordinary evening will take place Sept. 22 at the scenic 9-acre pond tucked behind Van Wilgen's Garden Center in North Branford. The Party is open to everyone and will feature great food, drink, live music and camaraderie.
Tickets are $100 and include wine, beer from Thimble Islands Brewing, BBQ pork and chicken, clam chowder, live music from "The Muddy Rudders," locally sourced vegetables, pies from Rose Orchard, and Ashley's ice cream. Plus, there will be an unusual live auction and several fun and unique games. Seating is limited, so reserve a spot for this one-of-a-kind celebration by going to BranfordRotary.org.
In addition to benefitting Smilow, one of the nation's most prestigious research and care facilities, the event will honor Rotary Foundation Treasurer Bill Van Wilgen and his family, who established the Male Breast Cancer Van Wilgen Fund at Yale New Haven Hospital. Proceeds will also support the Rotary Foundation's scholarship fund, which annually awards $7,500 to high school students from Branford who wish to pursue higher education.
And something greater may come from spending this perfect evening with Rotarians, their families and their guests. With service to your community, whether its flipping pancakes at the Branford Festival, taking veterans fishing or serving dinner to our senior citizens during the Christmas season, comes an unparalleled feeling of gratification and fulfillment. For the last 90 years, members of the Branford Rotary Club have come to realize the gift a smiling face offers in return for simple acts of compassion and benevolence.
Come see what a kind gesture to the benefit of others can bring to your life.
Go to BranfordRotary.org to register today for the "Party at the Pond," or email Foundation@BranfordRotary.org for more information.