Fish Fry 2011
More than 350 pounds of Lake Erie perch was served up by Peter Knechtel and his crew from The Beach House in Port Dover at the 30th annual Oxford Rotary Club Fish Fry Sat., April 16
By Tara Bowie Sentinel-Review
Posted 16 hours ago
WOODSTOCK – More than 350 pounds of Lake Erie perch was gobbled up during the 30th annual Oxford Rotary Club Fish Fry.
The event attracted 650 people Saturday night to the Oxford Auditorium and helped raise funds for Oxford Rotary Club initiatives and Woodstock and District Developmental Services (WDDS).
"I think this event is such a success because the people are seeing value for their money – that's number one and it's just that time of year. It's spring and people want to get out," said Erik Tremblay, chair of the Rotary Club fish fry.
Peter Knechtel from The Beach House restaurant in Port Dover has catered the event since the beginning.
"He's really been amazing over the years. Helped to keep costs reasonable and maximize the money we make. It's great to have someone like that helping," Tremblay said.
Betwen Rotarian efforts and the efforts of the WDDS, a whopping $22,000 was raised in 2010. That number was expected to increase in 2011.
Tremblay said the Rotary Club will use its portion of the money to pay off the remaining monies owed on its pledge to the YMCA. The group pledged $10,000 to the recreational facility to help with renovations needed to the building. A portion of the money raised will also go towards an international project called Little Hearts of India. The program pays for heart surgery needed by children in India.
"That's what's great about the Rotary Club. We are doing things locally and internationally all the time," Tremblay said.
WDDS hosted a silent auction with large tickets item coming from businesses in the area. Deb Roloson, community development co-ordinator for WDDS, expected to raise between $12,000 to $14,000 through the silent auction.
WDDS has been doing the silent auction at the fish fry for the past three years.
"We really appreciate the Rotary Club letting us piggy back on their event. I think through the partnership we are able to offer the people coming something they want, and we're able to raise money for two great organizations. It's really a win-win partnership," she said.
Money raised by WDDS will go towards funding its teen camp. The camp takes place for eight weeks this summer and provides a place for developmentally challenged teens between the ages of 13 and 19.
"There really isn't anything out there that services that particular age group with those needs. And of course teenagers really need the support," she said.
During the program day campers will go on day trips, do activities and participate in theme weeks. The camp is not funded by the government and is fully funded through WDDS and donations.