Easter Seals pasta dinner raises $890
The Rotary Club of Amherstburg asked for support of its Easter Seals pasta dinner and the community delivered.
The fundraising dinner was held Saturday night at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 and approximately 71 people came out to enjoy a plate of pasta. The dinner raised just shy of $890.
Rotary Club of Amherstburg past president Susanne Rainhard said the club was pleased to see the support of the community. She said the late Martin Breshamer, a long-time Amherstburg Rotarian, worked hard raising money for Easter Seals.
“We are happy to keep this going for Easter Seals,” said Rainhard. “All proceeds go to Easter Seals.”
Starr Meloche, the community engagement co-ordinator with Easter Seals, said the organization bridges the fundraising gap for equipment for those with disabilities.
According to Easter Seals Ontario’s website, “Easter Seals Ontario is dedicated to helping children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities carve their own path into the world, with assurance and autonomy.”
“We do an all-accessible summer camp,” Meloche added.
Easter Seals also has a presence in schools and awards scholarships to deserving individuals.
Justin Artale, also known as “Night Rider,” and Emily Beauchamp also represented Easter Seals at Saturday night’s pasta dinner. Artale told the crowd things are better now for young people with disabilities. He recalled that as a youth, he was often asked to go to the corner and colour rather than being supported.
“I’m happy to say we can do many things,” he said.
Wheelchairs such as the one he uses can cost anywhere between $27,000-$40,000 and credited Easter Seals for helping him and his family.
“Without them, I think I’d be stuck in bed,” said Artale.
For more information on Easter Seals, please visit www.easterseals.org.
By Ron Giofu
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