Martin Breshamer Memorial Dinner raises $1,260 for Easter Seals Ontario

By Ron Giofu

An annual tradition has helped Easter Seals again in 2023.

The Martin Breshamer Memorial Dinner raised an estimated $1,260 this year, with the dinner being presented last Friday night at the Columbus Community Hall by the Rotary Club of Amherstburg. The dinner had been presented as a pasta dinner for many years but this was the second straight year it came in the form of a fish fry.

Rotary Club past president Susanne Bergeron said she was pleased with the turnout.

“We’re just really happy we can continue this tradition Martin Breshamer started so many decades ago,” said Bergeron. “We want to honour him as a great man, a great Rotarian and a great contributor to our town.”

Breshamer was a long-time Amherstburg Rotarian until he passed away Jan. 3, 2016 at the age of 84. He led much of the club’s Easter Seals fundraising.

“It was his passion,” said Rotarian Karen Davidson. Easter Seals was started in Windsor, Bergeron pointed out, and that is another reason they continue fundraising for children with disabilities who are supported by Easter Seals.

“It’s always been special to us,” said Bergeron. “We are proud to be able to support Easter Seals for close to 35 years. Since the passing of Martin Breshamer who was a member our our Rotary Club for many years we now continue his passion for Easter Seals in support of the special needs of children in our community.” Bergeron added this fundraiser focuses on one of seven Rotary International areas of focus, which is maternal and child health.

“Our members love to get together in service to support those in need. If you wish to donate or inquire as to how to be a member reach out at rotaryclubofamherstburg@gmail.com,” she said.

The dinner not only allows people to contribute to Easter Seals Ontario, Bergeron added, but it also lets them speak with current and former Easter Seals ambassadors. Three former ambassadors – Sammy Uprichard, Emily Beauchamp and Justin Artale – were at the dinner last Friday evening.

Artale explained that Easter Seals has done a lot for them and helped make what is impossible possible for them.

“They have allowed us to be contributors to society,” said Artale. “They see us as we really are.”

While those supported by Easter Seals are helped when they are younger, they can return the favour