Letter to the Editor: Blue Bell Rotary Raises Funds for SARS

Yes, the Rotary Club of Blue Bell was at it again, this time working in partnership with the and Robert Fair, caterer at the , to bring neighbors together in support of a much-needed local cause.

The event, a Sunday morning Pancake Breakfast, benefited the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad (SARS). SARS is in the midst of a building campaign which will allow them to move out of their trailers near the Whitpain township buildings and establish them in a permanent location.

Sesame Street’s Elmo joined the festivities, mingling with the many young children attending the family-centered event. The Second Alarmers themselves gave the guests a first-hand opportunity to discover the benefits of SARS.

“Together with our sponsors, the community’s support has enabled the Blue Bell Rotary to donate $5,000 toward SARS’ building campaign. We’re thrilled with the response and happy to report we’ve exceeded our expectations,” said Joanne Messerschmidt, Rotary Club of Blue Bell member, Blue Bell resident and co-chair of the fundraising breakfast.

SARS provides crucial lifesaving Emergency Medical and Rescue Services to over 130,000 residents across Whitpain Township plus  several other townships, boroughs, and a stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Unlike local fire and police departments, SARS does not receive recurring tax funding. SARS’ survival is dependent upon service reimbursement, grants and generous donations.

The Pancake Breakfast, a “targeted” fundraiser, is one of many service activities for the Rotary Club of Blue Bell. The club’s planned giving for this year will exceed $35,000 and is focused on both local and international efforts. The club is also active in “hands on” service.

Going into the fall, two fun events are upcoming. The first is a benefit golf outing on September 17 at . The second is the 7th annual Chefs of the Burbs gala to be held on October 25. Both of these event will target Habitat for Humanity, and Chefs will also provide the general source of funds for Blue Bell Rotary’s annual charitable donations.

“We Blue Bell Rotarians offer a standing invitation to our neighbors,” said president, Dale Rubinkam. “If the idea of the Pancake Breakfast or any of our other projects interests you, please join us on any Tuesday morning for breakfast at 7:15 am at . Come out and get to know us! We think you’ll like us and that together we can do great things!”