Fundraiser canceled because of economy

By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
   Wars could never do it, but the current economic downturn has managed to.
   The Lambertville High School-South Hunterdon Regional Alumni Association has canceled the annual scholarship fundraiser that was scheduled for Nov. 29 because of the tough economic climate, according to Toni Slack of the Alumni Association.
   ”We’ve never had an interruption, even during the war,” she said. “The organization is over 100 years old.”
   The dinner dance each year honors graduates who have devoted themselves to community service. The proceeds from the $45-per-person tickets would have funded two scholarships for graduating seniors at South Hunterdon Regional High School, one each for a male and a female student.
   Usually, the event sells between 200 and 240 tickets each year. This year, ticket sales never picked up.
   ”It just wasn’t happening,” Ms. Slack said. “We held out and held out. We just didn’t get the people. The economy probably played a big part in it.”
   Ms. Slack remained optimistic the dinner dance would return next year.
   ”We’re coming back,” she said.
   The economy also forced the cancellation of a gourmet dinner to raise funds for a 3,500-square-foot addition to the Union and Fleetwing fire companies. The Union and the Fleetwing have been sharing quarters for two years on Main Street, and they need more room.
   The event was conceived as a $60-per-person gala with hopes to raise $20,000, according to Nate Waldron, treasurer of the Union Fire Company and secretary of the Board of Fire Commissioners. Local restaurants offered to donate staff and dinner, allowing all proceeds to go directly to the cause.
   ”Everybody’s feeling it,” Mr. Waldron said of the economy. “It just wasn’t fair.”
   The event may be back in 2009, and the fire company’s expansion is still under way.
   Mr. Waldron said, “We’re still moving forward. It’s just at a slower pace.”