It is hard to believe that it’s been nine years since I first had the idea for the Hot Dog Roast Fundraisers to benefit the libraries in my district. At first, they were very modest events, especially when compared to what they are today. This past year most of the libraries set a new record, hosting exceptional events.

What started out as a fundraiser that totaled a couple hundred dollars has grown into huge celebrations with the larger libraries raising well over a thousand dollars. Each library’s staff and volunteers have helped to make the Hot Dog Roast Fundraisers into one of their community’s summer highlights and I can’t thank those who attend these events enough for their support.

In nine years, these events have raised $57,794 and I am extremely proud to see how the funding has been utilized. The money has been used for a variety of purposes. The Eden Library had a mural painted, titled, “The World We Live In,” in the children’s section, and the Concord Library recently completed beautiful renovations to its children’s section. In Angola, the library staff and board have been working diligently on finishing its new community room, utilizing the funds from the Hot Dog Roast Fundraisers for that project. These are just a few specific examples but in all, the funding supports efforts to provide quality programming and materials to patrons.

When I first started hosting these events in 2007, I represented a slightly different district. Then when redistricting took place in 2010 the Angola, Boston, Eden, and North Collins libraries were added to my district. So for nine years, I have held roasts for Collins, Concord, Orchard Park and West Falls-Colden, and for the past four years, added Angola, Boston, Eden and North Collins. Each year the events get better and better.

The totals for the individual libraries were: after nine years, Collins - $8,935; Concord - $10,405; Orchard Park - $8,729; and West Falls-Colden - $8,796; and after four years, Angola - $4,547; Boston - $3,882; Eden - $4,477; and North Collins - $3,946. This is truly incredible and much-needed by these branches.

I also want to thank my community partner, Sahlen’s Hot Dogs, who has supplied the grill for these roasts.

Again, thank you to everyone who has attended one or several of these fundraisers during the past nine years. I hope to see you next year as we surpass the $60,000 mark!

If you have a question or concern about a county matter, please call or email my office at 858-8850 or john.mills@erie.gov.