Partnership for Children set for annual lobster fundraiser
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on March 17, 2013 1:50 AM
A date for the ninth annual Lobster and Shrimp Fest has been set, and tickets are now on sale, said Charles Ivey, executive director of the Partnership for Children of Wayne County, event sponsor.
It has developed into the agency's major fundraiser of the year, Ivey said.
"It's the way the community can help us provide our services and programs," he said.
The event has remained the same, Ivey said, with no frills added or major changes made over the years.
"We're pretty much going on what has worked in the past," he said. "Right after Christmas, folks are saying, 'When are the lobsters going on sale?' It's something that people have identified us with doing.
"We have had a tremendous amount (of support). We made more money last year than we have ever made and hope to top that again this year."
While organizers don't really set a fundraising goal, Ivey said last year's effort brought in $7,500 and it would be nice to exceed that.
With funding cuts nipping at the heels of many agencies these days, the need to hold such drives has become a necessity, he said.
"We're encouraged to become less dependent upon state revenues," he said. "Also, we're always seeking ways that our community can support young kids, and this is an excellent opportunity."'
Just as the name implies, it is a lobster and shrimp sale, and this year it will be held on May 3. The drive-through pick-up service will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Partnership office on William Street.
Tickets are on sale for $25 for a 1.25-1.5 pound lobster or bag of shrimp worth a comparable value. The lobster can be cooked or fresh, Ivey said, and shrimp can be cooked or frozen.
"We fly the lobsters in from Maine the night before," he explained. "As a matter of fact, they're in the water the day before, so they're fresh."
Ivey said tickets can be purchased from Partnership staff or board members, or by calling the office at 919-735-3371.
"We try to get our orders in by the first weekend in April," he suggested.