The steaks were on the grill and the volunteers from the Rotary Club of Western Springs were busy getting the food together to serve area veterans and first responders Friday for their annual steak fry.
“This is our signature event to honor veterans and local first responders. We have veterans here from Plymouth Place and Bethlehem Woods retirement homes and we don’t want our veterans to be forgotten about in this day and age,” said Rotary Club member Jason Doberzynski, who helped organize the event.
About 250 veterans and first responders from area police and fire departments were fed steak, salad, potatoes and desserts in the community room of the Western Springs Baptist Church. Among the attendees was state Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs, the Illinois House Republican leader.
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“I live in the neighborhood and it is nice to see so many people supporting our veterans,” Durkin said.
A Color Guard led by Bruce Harken from VFW Post 10778 in Western Springs helped kick off the ceremony. Harken talked about the need for veterans’ organizations.
“Newer guys who just get out of the service don’t always think about joining an organization, but they need support. It is really nice that the Rotary Club thinks about us and gives us this great dinner,” Harken said.
Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 Superintendent Hector Garcia brought a group of exchange students from South Africa.
“These students are part of the LEAP program which offers students the opportunity to learn different cultures,” Garcia said. “I thought this would be a great way for them to learn about our culture in America and some of the things that are important to us.”
Grant Dixon of the Rotary Club asked the crowd to sing happy birthday to volunteer Sharon Flaim, who he said “almost single handedly runs this thing by herself. She makes an amazing amount of food.”
Western Spring veterans Lynn Frey and Bob Cabaj came to enjoy the steak fry together.
“This is my first time here but it is great to sit with friends and enjoy a nice dinner, hope it tastes good,” said Frey.
The steak fry featured a popular split the pot and a raffle, which included Cubs and White Sox tickets as well as bottles of wine among the prizes.
“We really want to thank all of our sponsors which make the event possible. Many local businesses and organizations contribute to make this steak fry happen,” Dixon said.