Merrick Lions Club raises $6K at fifth annual Taste of Merrick

Proceeds to go toward juvenile diabetes research, Cure of Ars food pantry

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The Merrick Lions Club hosted its fifth annual Taste of Merrick at the Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church on April 28, raising roughly $6,000 to be split between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Cure of Ars Food Pantry.

The event honored Dr. James Rogers, a Merrick resident and former member of the Lions Club who recently completed six years as chief of the North Merrick Fire Department. “Being a former volunteer firefighter, I completely support what the Lions Club does and how it gives back to our community,” Rogers said.

The Lions Club had agreed to send half of the money to the Cure of Ars food pantry. Rogers, as honoree, was able to select a charity to send the remaining half and chose the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. After his brother died at 31 of Type 1 diabetes, Rogers started a non-profit in his name called the Daniel Rogers Foundation. Since its inception, the organization has donated $125,000 to the JDRF.

Rogers said that he was humbled by the opportunity to raise more funds through “Taste of Merrick.” The event offered guests a food tour of the town as Merrick restaurants provided an assortment of sample menu items. In addition to food, guests enjoyed Long Island’s own Elvis impersonator.

Vendors included the Outback Steakhouse, Ward’s Deli, AcQua Italian Restaurant, Vincent’s Italian Bakery, Sushi Koi, Sufiya’s Grill, Pit Stop, Anchor Down, Taquito’s Grill, Danny’s Chinese Kitchen, Guy Anthony’s and flowers provided by Feldis Flowers.