SEBASTIAN — The thousands of visitors to the Sebastian Clambake Festival early last month helped the Clambake Foundation raise almost $60,000 to be split amongst six non-profit groups.
“It’s totally fabulous,” said Clambake Chairwoman Anjani Cirillo of being able to cut $58,750 worth of checks.
The amount is on par with what the Clambake Foundation handed out in 2005 and 2006. In 2008, the foundation had more expenses than usual, and handed out less, according to Cirillo. By the River senior facility was the first to receive a $10,250 check from the Clambake Foundation, which was presented during the organization’s grand opening last weekend.
The Sebastian Soccer Association, Sebastian Sharks Youth Football & Cheerleading Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River County, and Professional Animal World’s H.A.L.O. Rescue will also receive checks for $10,250.
VFW Post 10210, however, requested it receive $7,500, according to Cirillo, to fund the relocation of its Veterans Memorial to County Road 512.
When the groups will receive their donations remains unknown as the Clambake Foundation is working to schedule the organizations’ leaders to attend an upcoming Sebastian City Council meeting.
“We love having everyone line up at city council,” Cirillo said.
This year’s donation brings the total Clambake Foundation contribution to the Boys and Girls Clubs to $93,000.
“This is what we do it for,” Cirillo said of organizing and pulling together the annual Clambake. “It’s such a win-win.”
The foundation has already had one meeting since the Clambake ended and the group plans to ramp up after the first of the year in preparation of Clambake 2010. Cirillo said the foundation will begin accepting applications for Clambake beneficiaries in May.
Vendors are also getting a jump on next year’s event, contacting Cirillo early to reserve space at Riverview Park.
Those interested in learning more about the Clambake Festival – how to get involved, donate, be a vendor, or be a beneficiary – can e-mail sebastianclambake@hotmail.com or visit www.SebastianClambake.org.