Members of Scouting America Troop 240 in West Hempstead hosted its annual pasta dinner at the American Legion Cathedral Post 1087, at 233 Woodlawn Road, on March 15, drawing more than 130 participants and raising $2,500.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Troop 240 Scoutmaster Nick Hoh said. “The Scouts are our waiters, and they serve all the food.
“In Scouting, we’re teaching responsibility, accountability and leadership,” he continued. “So, learning tasks, like how to do a job, how to plan an event from the beginning stages, that’s part of what we do. Waiting tables is just one part of the big picture in getting that done.”
The troop’s members served the dinner, which included all-you-can-eat bread, garden salad, pasta, meatballs, soda, coffee and dessert. The $2,500 raised during the event will go to support the troop’s activities throughout the year.
Every four to six weeks, members of the troop will go camping, take a hike, or participate in other activities.
“We get them away from their devices whenever we can and get them out in nature,” Hoh said. “The funds support our trips, the planning the equipment, reserving campsites, and more.”
A ticket to attend the fundraiser was $20, but it cost $10 for children ages 5 to 12 and $5 for Scouts. Children ages 4 and under were admitted for free.
“It’s not just Scouting people that come to our pasta dinner,” Hoh said. “There are families and neighbors. It’s a great place to get together, remember the important things and enjoy the community you live in.”
Attendees could also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the more than 50 raffle baskets donated by local businesses. Prizes included gift cards to Gino’s Pizza in West Hempstead, Connolly Beverage, Lost4toys, A&S Bagels, Dario's Pizza, Maple Lanes Bowling in Rockville Centre, and more.
“We have a great group of parents that have been doing this for years and have a knack for it,” Hoh said. “They have great relationships with the local businesses who are willing to show their support.”
For pasta dinners in previous years, local Italian restaurants provided the food. But this year, troop leaders and Scouts’ parents, who purchased ingredients at Restaurant Depot, prepared the feast. Daphne and Ted Aristilde, an assistant Scoutmaster, led volunteers in cooking the food in the American Legion hall’s kitchen before the event began.
“Apparently, St. Patrick’s Day is a busy time, so we decided to try and do it ourselves,” Hoh said. “So, we got in there at noon and got everything ready for the dinner at four o’clock. It worked out pretty well.”
In addition to holding fundraisers to support their activities, the West Hempstead Scouts are looking for Eagle Scout project recommendations from the local community. Previous projects include upgrading the American Legion facilities, preserving local history, and building projects outside of West Hempstead. Suggestions can be sent to bsatroop240wh@gmail.com.
To learn more about Scouting America or to find a local troop, visit beascout.scouting.org.
