Chicken ‘n Stuff to Benefit Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center

Description

      Chicken ‘n Stuff to Benefit Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center
 
Meals of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, Martin’s potato rolls & The Butcher Shoppe cakes & cookies will be served at the annual Easter Monday, Chicken ‘n Stuff dinner,
April 17^th at Chambersburg Area Middle School South, McKinley Street.   It is the 54^th year for this traditional event.  Local chef, Roger Tappen prepares the chicken.
The Rotary Club of Chambersburg, Knights of Columbus and George Washington Masonic Lodge No. 143 join together to benefit the Franklin County Therapeutic Riding Center for the 11^th year.  In 2016 $10,000 was raised to benefit the organization.  The Riding Center was able to replace the hay they lost when Winter Storm Jonas destroyed the barn where it was stored and also to hire an additional riding instructor, which allowed more clients to ride in the program.  “With a waiting list of over 30 children and adults, the need was definitely there, ” stated program coordinator and instructor, Susan Rotz.

Last year, more than 1,600 pounds of chicken was prepared.  Approximately 100 volunteers made the event a success starting at 6 am to prepare the food, serving throughout the day and cleaning up at the end of the day.   Approximately 1,590 meals were served in 2016.  The goal this year is to serve 1,750.
This annual fundraiser originated at the Knights of Columbus and was started by deceased Rotarian, Bud Faubel and Tony Gargaro, 54 years ago.  When the Chicken ‘n Stuff Dinner outgrew that facility, it was moved to the Chambersburg High School and finally to the CAMS Middle School, South where it is held today. The meal originally raised money for the Easter Seals, but after that non-profit left the county, the Therapeutic Riding Center became the designated recipient of the event. 
Rotarian and co-chairperson, Sue McMurtray says this is her favorite Rotary project of the year because the members not only get to help another charitable organization but they also network with two other worthy service organizations.  “It is well worth the tired feet and the aching back at the end of the day to know that these kids will be able to ride their favorite horse and feel good about themselves.”