Brunch blends benevolent

So what do the River Falls Moose Lodge, Kiwanis and Ambulance Service all have in common?

Besides serving the community, all play a part in the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. brunch Sunday, July 12, at the Moose Lodge, 620 N. Clark St.

Kiwanis Nancy Dietze explained that her small club will pre-sell tickets to the annual Moose fundraising brunch, with the goal of buying the ambulance service a piece of $2,000 equipment.

Kiwanis members keep the proceeds from each of their pre-sold tickets and will be selling them 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday between now and July 12 in the outer lobby of First National Bank, 104 E. Locust St.

The Moose Lodge keeps at-the-door proceeds and through Kiwanis, gets additional publicity. Dietze set up a display at the bank last Friday and promoted the “full meal,” including pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, milk, orange juice and coffee.

Adult admission costs $7. Kids under age 5 eat free.

Historically River Falls’ civic clubs work independently of one another for their respective local, national and international benefactors. They’re large and small groups work at and for different things.

Some have a major, annual fundraising event and some don’t.

Kiwanis doesn’t and Dietze says that especially in a tough economy, there is only so much people can do anyway. She feels fortunate to be “piggybacking” with the Moose Lodge’s annual brunch.

“The River Falls Kiwanis Club will be earning funds with this event to purchase a Bair Hugger from Arizant Healthcare,” said Dietze.

She explains that it’s a forced-air warming system to prevent hypothermia. Kiwanis members previously raised money to buy three pediatric-treatment bags for the RFAAS.

She said, “If someone can’t attend the brunch, we would be thrilled if they wanted to donate money toward this cause. It is such a great thing for the betterment of our community.”

Dietze said she’s also encouraged people who either can’t go or are undecided to buy ahead for others who would enjoy the good food and camaraderie during River Falls Days weekend.

Dietze said people could buy pre-brunch tickets from Kiwanis members, at the bank or by contacting one, and by calling her at 381-0038.

Tags: moose lodge, ambulance service, lifestyle, events, kiwanis, food