Elks clambake helps special needs kids
By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Manville-Hillsborough Elks 2119 is preparing for its 23rd annual clambake and barbecue for Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1-5 p.m. at the lodge on Brooks Boulevard. The fundraiser helps supports the lodge’s special needs children charities.
Exalted Ruler Joe Homyak is excited about this year’s clam bake.
"We are very excited to having Heritage, a local band, play," he said. "We are hopeful for great weather and a good turnout. It promotes a great value so you can come down and eat and it’s all for good cause."
You can enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, sausage and peppers, macaroni and cheese, salads and more. The Elks expect to go through about 30 bushels of clams. More than 250 people are expected to attend the clambake, which has raised more than $60,000 over the years.
Tickets for adults are $35 in advance ($40 at the door) from any Manville-Hillsborough Elk member or at the lodge after 5:30 p.m. any day, or by calling the lodge at 908-725-1717. Tickets for ages 11-17 are $15 and 10 and under are free.
The Manville-Hillsborough Elks support children for treatment at the Somerset County Treatment Center in Bridgewater for weekly, biweekly or monthly physical, speech or vocational therapy. The Elks also have sponsored 11 local special children for a week of summer camp at the Elks Camp Moore in north Jersey.
Longtime event chairperson Tom Cronin and his crew of volunteers grill more than 80 pounds of chicken, 50 pounds of sausage and keeping about 12,000 clams coming as the attendees shuck away. Elk members, families, friends and community members will be able to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and music. Clambake T-shirts will be for sale. This year will also see a tricky tray table with great prizes.