The Apalachee Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department held its 10th Annual Steak Dinner Fundraiser on Monday, February 27 at the Riverside by the Bay restaurant in Shell Point. Diners enjoyed steaks, vegetables, baked potatoes, rolls, and homemade desserts, all prepared by members of the ABVFD.

According to event organizer Joeann Vasecky, the event was a "big success".  "We had a profit of $3208," said Vasecky.  "We served 251 dinners in two different seatings, with about  50 of the dinners as take-outs.  Captain Larry Massa of the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office sold raffle tickets during the first seating, and Emergency Management Director Joe Blanchard sold tickets during the second seating.  We made $464 on the Quickie Raffle, and $404 on the Super Raffle (for 3 paintings). "

Vasecky said it was more than she had anticipated because of a change in seating arrangements in the restaurant.  "In previous years the restaurant seated 150, but now it only seats 90," explained Vasecky, "but it all worked out fine."  Vasecky said her "army" of volunteers, as she refers to them, are wonderful from start to finish.  Preparation of the steaks begins at 10:00 a.m., and volunteers work throughout the day until the actual dinner begins at 5:00 p.m.  "We completely take over the restaurant," says Vasecky.  "I must applaud all the volunteers who help me year after year.  Without them this event would not happen."

Vasecky also thanked Stan West, owner of Riverside by the Bay, for letting the ABVFD use his restaurant for the event.  She also thanked Wakulla Bank for providing the PA system, and the Crawfordville Volunteer Fire Department for the use of their cooker.

All money raised at the event will go directly to support the ABVFD for the purchase of new equipment and other needs.  Vasecky said when she first got involved with the ABVFD 20 years ago it was rated a "10" on a rating scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best.  She said the station is now rated a 6, which has helped with insurance rates for local residents. 

Vasecky also wanted to let the public know that "Super Raffle" tickets are still being sold for the drawings of the 3 paintings.  "We will have the actual drawing at the ABVFD meeting on Monday, March 13," said Vasecky.

Written by :

westmark

 

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