FITCHBURG — The 45th annual Fitchburg East Rotary Club Super Bowl Brunch fundraiser on Sunday was a huge success, once again bringing lots of people together and raising tens of thousands of dollars that stay local in the form of scholarships and community projects — the true definition of a touchdown, in every sense of the word.
“It’s something we can do together to give back,” said lifelong city resident Paulette Varno of her and her husband Kevin pitching in to help at the Feb. 8 event held at Monty Tech.
They are both club members, retired, and have known each other since high school. Graduates of the Fitchburg High School Class of 1981, the couple reconnected in the city they were born and raised in and got married four years ago.
The yearly gathering drew hundreds of people who enjoyed variety of delicious food prepared and served by Monty Tech students and instructors. They were joined by Fitchburg High School students who along with many Rotarians happily volunteered their time to ensure it ran smoothly and a buffet featuring pancakes and home fries, an omelet station, ice cream, and more were enjoyed by all.
Leominster resident Vicki Manchester has been a part of the Fitchburg East Rotary Club for over four years, serving in the past as president and now as treasurer. She and club secretary Megan Driscoll are the heart and soul of the brunch planning and implanting these days, roles the two women said they are happy to take on as it’s one of the club’s biggest fundraisers that enables the Rotarians to support those in the area in need.
“I love being part of the community and giving back to others,” said Manchester, who owns and operates Hey Good Look’n Salon and Spa in Fitchburg. “The Super Bowl Brunch is a fun exciting event for all and that’s why I love it. Seeing the smiles on everyone and their excitement to join the fun makes me happy.”
Driscoll, who is a fifth generation Rotarian, echoed her sentiments, saying she was drawn the club’s “mission of service.”
“Being part of this community and giving back to others brings me great joy and one of my favorite events is the Super Bowl brunch,” she said. “It’s a fun and exciting occasion for everyone involved and the smiles and enthusiasm of participants truly make me happy.”
Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia and Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis joined the flurry of activity that also included a number of raffle baskets prizes, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle that Joe Wrixon of Worcester won. When asked what he was going to do with the $1,040 in cash he held, Wrixon quipped “give it to my wife,” and then handed it to her, which had everyone around him laughing.
Wrixon disclosed that while he’s been coming to the Super Bowl Brunch with his family members for a decade, this was “the first time I’ve won anything. Evah,” emphasizing the North Central Mass accent.
His father-in-law Ed Tarquinio sat across from him at one of the two tables occupied with many members of their extended family. Tarquinio used to be president of the Fitchburg East Rotary Club and has been attending the brunch fundraiser for as many years as they have been holding it.
For their family, the community event has become a beloved tradition of theirs that they never miss.
“My daughter wanted to come,” Tarquinio said of what brought them back again this year. “She loves coming with the family.”