Photos courtesy Heather Condra and Sarah Riggs
With over 500 in attendance, the Rotary Club of Greenfield’s annual Steak N’ Bake’N fundraiser once again proved to be a standout event in the community’s social calendar. Held earlier this month, the evening was a tremendous success, raising $130,000 for local non-profits while delivering an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
This year’s event was filled with excitement from start to finish. Maxwell Meats catered the dinner, serving a delicious meal of filet mignon, baked potato, and sides, ensuring that guests were well-fed as they participated in the evening’s activities. Each ticket came with a drink voucher, which could be redeemed for beer, wine, or soft drinks, and desserts, generously donated by Rotary Club members, were a sweet touch to cap off the meal.
One of the major attractions of the night was the $2,500 reverse raffle. All ticket holders were entered into a drawing, and auctioneer Wayne Addison, along with his team, kept the energy high as names were drawn one by one. The suspense grew with each name, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats as the pool of finalists shrank down to the final 10.
The event also featured a variety of carnival-style games that added to the fun. Attendees tried their luck at the quarter toss, and many eagerly stepped into the “money grab” inflatable to collect as much “money” as they could in a whirlwind of flying bills. However, one of the most talked-about moments of the night was the game of heads or tails. Participants purchased bead necklaces, each serving as an extra “life” in the game. A Rotary member would flip a coin, and participants had to predict the outcome—heads or tails. With each incorrect guess, they lost a “life,” until the last remaining player took home a 65-inch TV.
While the night was packed with fun and games, the real purpose of the Steak N’ Bake’N was to support local non-profits. This year, five deserving organizations were chosen as the recipients of the People’s Choice Awards, each receiving $7,096. The funds will have a significant impact on these groups and the communities they serve.
For example, the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen plans to use their award to provide approximately 7,000 meals to individuals in need. Love, Inc. will continue offering financial education to local families, empowering them to create sustainable spending plans and improve their financial well-being. Greenfield Main Street is hard at work on programs to revitalize downtown, while P.A.W.S. will use the funds to care for rescued animals. Bentley’s Buddies, an organization that promotes literacy by having children read to therapy dogs, will purchase new books and supplies to expand their reach.
With more than 45 Rotary Club members involved in planning and executing the event, this year’s Steak N’ Bake’N was a true team effort. It has quickly grown into one of Greenfield’s most anticipated fundraisers, blending food, fun, and a powerful sense of community. For those who missed out this year, mark your calendars for next fall—it’s a night where everyone can enjoy themselves while making a meaningful contribution to local causes.
Hart Summeier is a guest contributor to the Greenfield Daily Reporter. He is a U.S. Navy veteran, local business owner, community member, and currently serves as President of the Rotary Club of Greenfield. Hart is committed to supporting and uplifting the Greenfield community through his involvement in various charitable efforts and events.
