Rotary Club to Hold Fourth Annual 'Claws For A Cause Lobster Fest'

The West Hartford Rotary Club will hold its fourth annual “Claws For A Cause Lobster Fest” on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 2–5:30 p.m. on the grounds of the . 

Event organizer and club President-elect Dana Gordon has been working diligently to ensure that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever.

“In past years we have had almost 300 people attending and I’m hoping that, despite the economy, we will attract as many, if not more, “ remarks Gordon.

Founded in December 1951,The Rotary Club of West Hartford is a group of 60 professional men and women who meet once a week for lunch at on Asylum Avenue. With Rotary Clubs in towns throughout the United States and internationally, the members are devoted to serving the community and promoting world peace.

Gordon, the owner of , has belonged to the organization for the past eight years and will become its president next summer. He believes strongly in Rotary's motto of “Service above Self.” “What I like about the club is that it is always about giving back, either on a community level or on an international one.”

In fact, the Rotary has made it its mission to eliminate polio and to ensure that everyone has access to clean water worldwide. While many might think that the Salk vaccine long ago eradicated the deadly polio virus, there are many developing countries where it continues to infect, paralyze and kill children. The Rotary Club International must raise funds to match a $350 million grant received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The resulting money will support immunization campaigns in countries such as Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.  In addition, the club supports clean water projects in third world nations.

While some of the proceeds from this year’s lobster fest will go towards these international concerns, the annual event also raises substantial funds to benefit local charities including The Town That Cares, YMCA, , The Third Grade Dictionary Project, HANOC, The American School For the Deaf, , CW Resources and HARC.

Rotary funds also support the Club’s "Dunn Ambassadorial Scholarship," given annually to a college student who wishes to study abroad for a year, sixth-grade writing projects in our middle schools, and group study exchange programs.  

Gordon notes that while his club’s causes are several and serious, the crustacean extravaganza is simply a rousing good time. “There isn’t a better way to say good-bye to the summer.” During the afternoon’s festivities, live entertainment will be provided by local band , and there will be a bounce house for children.

The event will takes place in the bucolic, park-like setting in back of the American School for the Deaf facilities.  Gordon confirmed, “this is a chance for people to give back to the community and to enjoy some good food, good music and have a really fun time.”

Tickets cost $50 per adult meal, with a choice of a 1.5-pound lobster or a 10 oz. Delmonico steak, along with corn on the cob, salad, rolls, soft drinks and ice cream bars for dessert. Children’s meals are available for $10 for children 12 years of age and under with the choice of hamburger or hotdog along with the other fixings. If supporters purchase 6 or more adult meals, the price will be reduced to $45 per ticket.  Adults are allowed to bring their own adult beverages.

Tickets will not be available at the event. The can be purchased ahead of time from local Rotarians or at Sedgwick Cleaners at 17 Sedgwick Road, West Hartford. For more information about the event, contact Dana Gordon at 860-573-2296.