Rotary Club ready for Thursday fundraiser

Rotary Club fundraiser chairman Russell Rasmussen went over committee assignments with the club Thursday, and learned all systems are go for this Thursday's big event.

The club is counting on a successful Seafood Dinner, Raffle and Benefit Auction to help it pay off the note on the El Campo Aquatic Center.

Dick Chomout says the catfish filets will be ready for frying Thursday, and Paul Phillips reported everything is set for his famous shrimp étoufée.

Rotarians will meet Monday to mix up the cole slaw so it will be properly marinated by Thursday at 5:30 p.m. when food is served.

Residents concerned about Holy or Maundy Thursday services need not be. Rotary will have plenty of take-home plates, valued at only $8.50 for what would be at least $12-$15 in a restaurant.

Paul John Herrmann, raffle ticket chairman, was unable to say how many tickets remain unsold. However, 600 of the $100 tickets were printed.

At the end of the night ... after the live auction conducted by David Rose and possibly Billy Bode ... three tickets will be drawn from the hopper. Third place wins a $1,000 gift card, second place get a $2,000 gift card and the first place winner receives a gift card worth $20,000.

Members of the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club at El Campo High School will help the club with the serving of take-home plates and $5 raffle ticket sales. Members of the Red Wave Swim Team will also help.

In addition to the live auction and the $5 bait bucket raffle, silent auction items will be available.

"In order to accomplish our goals, we need public support," Rasmussen said. "This once a year fundraiser is a fun, easy way for the public to help Rotary make a difference in El Campo."

Rotary helped fund remodeling of an old Northside Elementary building for the county branch library here, and spearheaded the original construction of the Civic Center. The club also donated the 10 acres of land to the city that is now occupied by the Rotary Park softball fields.

The club also supports local scholarships, Wharton County Youth Fair, Reading Is Fundamental, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (EC Middle School), Boys & Girls Club of El Campo and other needs as they arise.

Raffle and dinner tickets are available from Rotarians. They are also available at the El Campo Leader-News office.