Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow hosted the Frank Saracino Memorial Senior & Military Dinner on Nov. 24, serving 350 meals to seniors and veterans at East Meadow High School.
Named in honor of Saracino, a former principal and superintendent in the East Meadow School District who died in May of last year at 90, the dinner has been a cherished community tradition for over 45 years.
This year’s event was no different — or more cheerful — than years past.
Saracino founded the event in 1978 to connect students with older generations. Initially supported by school volunteers, the dinner transitioned to Kiwanis leadership in 1988 and has thrived ever since. Saracino remained actively involved in the community even after his retirement in 1995, and his legacy continues to inspire volunteers.
This year, members and volunteers stepped up to prepare and cook the meals, which included turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and more. Local businesses sponsored the dinner, and raffles were donated by businesses and other community organizations. The East Meadow school board, central administration and additional staff members also took part in the day’s activities, joining in food serving efforts.
Musical performances by East Meadow High School’s band and chorus entertained attendees throughout the event.
The dinner is chaired by Kiwanians Michael and Julie Leake. Michael Leake is a chef and caterer and led the food preparation effort, alongside Steve LaSala, Lisa Hallett, Diane and Richie Krug, Mitchell Allen, Debbie Kirsh, Kevin Kamper, Tracey Rudd and Donna Goldstein. The raffles were assembled by Kiwanis members Jessica Schiavone and Marianna Cereoli.
Catherine Razzano, who chairs the East Meadow Kiwanis’s food drives, told the Herald last year that it’s a multi-tiered volunteer effort that makes the dinner so successful. The Kiwanis works with kids from all of the clubs part of the greater-Kiwanis organization, including the Key Clubs at East Meadow and W.T. Clarke High School, the Builders Clubs in East Meadow’s middle schools, and K-Kids, the elementary and entry level into Kiwanis. Whether the students were decorating the gym ahead of the dinner, or handing out flowers to the seniors as they entered, their efforts helped make the dinner a success.
The Kiwanis is happy to host the event in Sacarino’s memory. Saracino himself was honored in 2021 for 50 years of service to the Kiwanis, during the 70th anniversary of the East Meadow organization.
“He was a civic leader, a Kiwanian, and he’d been involved in the community,” Razzano said of Saracino. “So many of us knew him for many, many years.”
On its Facebook page, the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow was appreciative of everyone’s efforts. “We can’t thank our kids enough for the wonderful service they performed today and the great service by our members to ensure that everyone had a fun time with amazing food, drinks and desserts,” the organization wrote. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
