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Niagara Falls Sertoma Club 54th chicken BBQ approaching

Fri, Aug 16th 2019 03:10 pm

By David Yarger

Sertoma is short for “Service to mankind.” While the Sertoma Club of Niagara Falls has its focus on serving the community, they’re asking everyone to help support them, as they host their 54th chicken barbecue at The Oasis in Hyde Park.

Starting at noon, Sunday, Aug. 18, the Sertoma Club of Niagara Falls welcome the public to their annual fundraiser to help accomplish their club goals.

The mission of the Sertoma Club is “To improve the quality of life today through education and support for those at risk or impacted by hearing loss. (And) to financially and physically support organizations that help youth and those in need, particularly in Niagara Falls and Niagara County.”

In addition, “Sertoma is committed to help our community, so when we are approached by, or find a local organization that needs help, we ‘jump in’ and try to provide some help.”

Organizations Sertoma works with include Heart, Love and Soul food pantry; Niagara Hospice of Lockport; the Niagara Cerebral Palsy Association; the Niagara Community Action Program; the Boys and Girls Club; Family and Children Services and the club also partners with Niagara University by providing a scholarship fund.

The proceeds from the chicken barbecue will be donated to local charities.

Barbecue chairman Murry DeFranco said the fundraiser usually brings in at or around $16,000 per year. He added a little history of the barbecue, as it was spearheaded back in the day by former Niagara Falls Chief City Court Judge Tom Desantis. The barbecue went extinct for a few years, but DeFranco said it was revived by his uncle, Tom DeFranco.

“We probably do 1,500 tickets a year,” DeFranco said. “There is entertainment out there. We have a group that comes out and does dancing, square dancing – they do a lot of nice things. Then we have a DJ that comes out the whole time. We have an auto show, old cars and so on and so forth. We also have basket raffles.”

The club is also looking for new members with fresh, and innovative ideas. Those interested can call 716-297-7994.

For more information regarding the chicken barbecue, contact DeFranco at 716-754-1164.

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