A total of $9,200 was raised by the three Brockport service clubs (Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary) participating in the annual contest to see who raises the most money bell ringing for the annual Salvation Army fundraising campaign. For 2017, this total also includes monies raised by Hamlin Lions and the after Thanksgiving Saturday amount ($1,646) raised by all clubs jointly.
Each year the three Brockport clubs vie with one another to see which can raise the most money during their assigned Saturday where they bell ring at Mahan’s Liquor Store and the Brockport Walmart Superstore. At the recent annual joint service club/Salvation Army Dinner, Major R. Douglas Hart, director of County Operations-Monroe County, announced that Brockport Rotary was the winner with a record service club effort of $3,004.81. Former long time coordinator Dan Perry commented that 18 years ago when they began, the total for all three clubs was less than $3,000. Runner ups were Brockport Lions with $2,797.67 and Brockport Kiwanis with $1,914.57.
Major Hart and local coordinator Brian Ingraham lauded the work done by the service clubs and the efforts put forth by a large number of groups, organizations and clubs. Many club members, family members and friends put in a lot of hours on this project and all deserve recognition. Extra help also was provided by others who worked double shifts, bell rang during the extra week or acted as coordinator for their club.
The grand total for the entire service sector fundraising locally was $21,741.73. Most of the money raised stays in the local community and goes to those needing help with everything from school supplies and winter coats to a summer camp scholarship. Those needing assistance should contact the Salvation Army based in Rochester, who may refer them locally for aid depending on the type and extent of need (987-9500). Others noted for work during the extra week before Christmas included: Tammy Deacon, Keith Marshall, Charlie Deacon and Al Warner. Special thanks went to Brian Ingraham for acting as the official local representative. He and wife Cindy also organized the local dinner event held this year at Madeline’s restaurant located at the Chateau at Heritage Square.
Groups represented in the 2017 Bell Ringing Campaign (no particular order) included: Brockport Police Department, Brockport Fire Department, Village of Brockport DPW/office staff, Cub Scout Pack 228, Boy Scout Troop 111, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Lifetime Assistance, Boy Scout Troop 375, Church of Latter Day Saints, Brockport Girls Volleyball Team, Library Teens, Kendall CSD National Honor Society, Brockport Baptist Church, Brockport Elks Lodge, DWC Properties/Re Max Titanium, Town of Sweden (Karen Sweeting), Steven Hawley, Brockport CSD School Board, Kiwanis Key Club.
Thanks must go also to Mahan’s Liquor Store and Brockport Walmart Superstore, and most of all, to a generous community who every year supports this valuable fundraiser and the various service club projects.
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