Erie County Legislator John J. Mills visited the Boston Free Library on June 29, 2015 to present a check for the money raised at the Hot Dog Roast Fundraiser held June 11. This was the fourth year the fundraiser was held for the Boston Library and the event raised $1,100.

“This is the most that the Hot Dog Roast Fundraiser has raised for the Boston Library and I want to thank everyone who attended the event to support the branch.  In total, this annual fundraiser has now raised $3,882 for the library, which helps pay for programming, materials and unexpected costs that exceed the annual budget,” said Legislator Mills. “The libraries try very hard to provide excellent services to patrons on a limited budget and I am very proud that I can host these fundraisers each year to help with their mission.”

Legislator Mills presented the donation to Library Director Lydia Herren, Library Board President Suzanne Borowicz, Library Board Treasurer Lynn Gerber and Library Board Secretary Susan Kellner.

The funding has been used for a variety of purposes but this past winter was especially useful. Library Director Herren said that due to the extreme winter conditions, an ice jam formed on the roof of the library and could have caused significant leaking and damage to the library. The board used a portion of the funds raised during the past Hot Dog Roasts, in addition to other donations, to remove the jam and protect the library and the materials inside.

"The Boston Free Library would like to thank Legislator Mills, his staff and our Town of Boston elected officials for hosting this wonderful community event and for their continued and unwavering support of our local libraries.   The Hot Dog Roast has become a summer tradition, and it was a great success for us this year,” said Library Director Herren.

Every year Legislator Mills holds a fundraiser at each of the libraries in his district. This year his grand total, after nine years, will well exceed $50,000.

The Boston Free Library Hot Dog Roast Fundraiser was a great kickoff for the library’s summer programming. The library will also have Wondermakers, Charlie and Checkers, Mike Randall, and Nature Ed-Ventures as well as ongoing activities for children and computer classes for adults this summer.  Check the library's website (www.buffalolib.org) or Boston Free Library’s Facebook page for more details.

For information on the Hot Dog Roast Fundraisers, or to speak with Legislator Mills, please contact his Legislative Office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.