The annual Los Banos Rotary Crab Feed, the club’s biggest fundraiser, is set for April 1 at the Los Banos Fairgrounds.
The Saturday evening event comes on the heels of a successful Rotary Club Empty Bowls meal on Feb. 23, which served hundreds of people and raised funds to help feed individuals and families in need in the Los Banos area.
Tickets for the crab feed are now available from any Rotarian–for a meal which includes fresh Dungeness cracked crab, pasta, salad, bread, wine and dessert. The event also includes a raffle and live auction. Doors of the Fairgrounds Exhibit Building open at 5 p.m.
Individuals can also purchase tickets, which are $75, online. Anyone with a credit card can go to the link https://los-banos-rotary.square.site and buy as many tickets as they’d like. It’s as simple as clicking “Purchase tickets,” choosing the number of tickets, then clicking “Attend.” The website provides the next steps.
Persons who buy their tickets online should bring a printout of their purchase to the Fairgrounds the day of the event. Credit cards can also be used to purchase raffle tickets and auction items.
The crab feed is the main fundraiser for the Los Banos Rotary Club, which uses the proceeds from this event to fund scholarships for Los Banos, Pacheco and San Luis high school graduates, as well as supporting local Boy Scout Troop 85, the “Feed the Need” program for local elementary school students and many other community projects and activities.
“Many Rotarians are still recovering from their work on Empty Bowls,” said club President-Elect Tanya Price. “But we know how important the Crab Feed is for the club and the community we serve, so we’re ready to go to work again.”
Rotarian Tony Whitehurst, who has secured the freshest and tastiest crab available for each Rotary crab feed, is excited about the upcoming event. “Everyone will get their money’s worth,” he said, “with lots of crab, great side dishes and wine served with the dinner. And they’ll be helping a good cause.”
This is the first time in memory that the crab feed will be on a Saturday evening. “We think many people will enjoy celebrating on the weekend,” said Rotarian Joe May.
Seating is limited and the event has sold out in the past. Persons interested in indulging in crab are encouraged to get their tickets soon, which will also help Rotarians order the right amount of crab.
As in past years there will be both a raffle and live auction, as well as door prizes, featuring items donated by local businesses and individuals. This year’s auction committee chairpersons, Shelley and Joe May, said, “This could be our best auction yet.”
As in all previous crab feeds, Rotarians who serve the food will ensure that people attending have fun and enjoy the experience.
Once again Brian Rocha, the club’s Interact liaison with the local high schools, will have high school students helping Rotarians serve. “These Interact members,” Rocha said, “add energy, enthusiasm and efficiency to the serving crew.”
The crab feed has a large group of loyal customers, people who look forward each year to the event, not only for good food but for a good time. That’s one reason doors will open at 5 p.m. on April 1.
“Many of our regulars,” said longtime Rotarian Dick Gerbi, “like to come early, settle in, have a few beverages and check out the raffle and auction items before dinner.”
All of the club’s members plan to be there to help prepare and serve the food and beverages, to make sure all people who come get good service—and with a smile.
John Spevak’s email is john.spevak@gmail.com.
