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Emmaus Rotary: summer fest raised less than $10,000; local food need up this summer
Summary
Emmaus Rotary leaders told council their inaugural summer festival fell short of a $30,000 goal because of poor weather, raising under $10,000. Club leaders said they will continue fundraising to support the East Penn Food Coalition and plan a centennial library renovation project tied to a Rotary Foundation global grant.
Emmaus Rotary leaders on Monday briefed Borough Council on the group’s first summer festival and on rising local food needs. Cindy Horniman, a Rotary member, said weather reduced attendance and revenue: the club set a $30,000 fundraising goal but “made a little bit less than $10,000.”
HORNIMAN: “We cannot thank the borough of Emmaus, the ambulance, and the police department for all of the cooperation and true community working together that we had while planning and implementing the first of, we hope, our many festivals.”
Horniman told council the club will donate proceeds to area service groups including the East Penn Food Coalition and warned that demand for food assistance has increased this summer. She said weekly food distributions that had dropped from about 120 bags in peak months normally to 40–50 in summer have instead been near 66 recently, which she described as roughly a 20% increase compared with the expected summer drop.
The Rotary said it plans to begin preparations early for next year and suggested fixing a date (they mentioned the idea of June 6) to avoid conflicts with Memorial Day weekend. Horniman also said the club will mark its 100th anniversary during the coming Rotary year and is pursuing a large Rotary Foundation global grant in partnership with the Emmaus Public Library to renovate the library entrance.
Council members and staff thanked the Rotary volunteers and suggested additional fundraising ideas, including events that could draw visitors to the borough and a fun run/walk.
The Rotary asked council for no formal action at the meeting; council members expressed appreciation and encouraged continued planning and coordination with borough staff.
