City councilors will be among the volunteers serving food to downtown residents, employees and visitors
Jose TosadoSPRINGFIELD – City councilors will be serving the people next week – literally.
At a press conference Wednesday, the council announced it is hosting a cookout next Wednesday at Court Square, with all proceeds benefiting the hardest hit neighborhoods from the June 1 tornado. The proceeds will be divided equally among the neighborhood councils in the South End, Maple High, East Forest Park and Old Hill.
Councilors and staff members will be among volunteers serving food at the cookout which is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. The council is asking for a minimal donation of $5, serving hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, water and soda, and an optional Friendly’s Sundaes-To-Go for an additional $2.
Kateri B. WalshThe cookout was organized by council President Jose F. Tosado and Vice-President Kateri B. Walsh, who praised the many fundraising efforts that are benefitting the tornado victims. They were joined at the City Hall press conference by Councilors Melvin Edwards and Timothy Allen, East Forest Park President Christopher A. Caputo, and Spirit of Springfield representatives.
Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration lapel pins will also be available for $2.
Businesses and organizations that are contributing to the council cookout include: Baystate Health; Community Music School of Springfield; Elegant Affairs; Friendly Restaurants; MassMutual Center; Performance Food Group; Spirit of Springfield; and Springfield Business Improvement District.
Also, One Financial Plaza, Tower Square, Colebrook and Monarch Place are helping to distribute event information.
For more information, or to make a donation, contact the council office at (413) 787-6170.