UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club served up delicious food with an extra helping of community service at this year's Hero Luncheon, held at Outback Steakhouse.

The luncheon raises money to support the Rotary Club's community efforts and goes to things like what they call “non-traditional” scholarships, set aside for a student who may be struggling because they had some circumstances in their life that they didn’t have control over.

Additionally, the annual Hero Luncheon provided the funds for the Haslett Public Library reading room.

But the Haslett-Okemos Rotary reach doesn't stop there.

“They've helped a multitude of community entities, raised money for all kind of funds: vans for the Ingham County medical care facilities, help with the backpacks, and providing food for kids in the Lansing area for weekends," said Karen Harsh, of Okemos, who dined at the luncheon.

But what do the Rotarians get out of it?

“It's all a matter of giving time, it's all volunteer, no one is forcing us to do it. And the camaraderie is great and you get to meet a lot of people,” said Duane Possanza, a Rotary member for over forty years.

The luncheon has been an annual event for the last six years and Possanza said that he never has trouble selling his share of tickets.

Tickets were available for $20 and could be bought in advance or at the door. Last year’s luncheon raised almost $6,000, which went to the Rotary Fund.


ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Why are members from the Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club waiting tables with the staff at Outback? Watch Meridian Magazine to find out more!