MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Haslett Okemos Rotary Club had its 10th annual HERO Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The lunch took place at Gilbert & Blake's in Okemos, and the restaurant was filled with Meridian Township community members the entire time.

"The main focus of this event is camaraderie for rotarians and the community. So every rotarian sells 10 tickets to different people in the community and they come, and they come and they see their neighbors and coworkers and they have a great meal. We couldn't do this without the support of Gilbert & Blake's," Rotary Club president Christine Tenaglia said. "They're a really big part about supporting this event."

People bought tickets to the event ahead of time. At the restaurant, they received lunch and were able to socialize with others from the area.

They were also entertained by a clown, who walked around making balloon flowers and hats.

"We help supplement things at the school, we do baskets for the seniors during Christmas because they don't have food, or we give money to the food pantry. So different needs that aren't filled in the community we kind fill those gaps for people. It helps make the community a better place," Tenaglia said.

Members of the Rotary Club, who are professional leaders in the community, spent their time there walking around collecting money donations and talking to the many community members present.