SAN ANTONIO – After a tragic year for first responders, the 100 Club of San Antonio is expecting record-setting sales at its 20th annual spaghetti dinner.
The 100 Club helps the families of fallen law enforcement officers, agents and firefighters in Bexar County, and the money from the annual dinner, held this weekend, helps them do it. Club President Richard Miller said the high-profile deaths of two San Antonio Police Officers and a San Antonio firefighter in the past year are likely helping drive attendance for the event.
This year, the dinner follows closely on the heels of San Antonio Police Officer Miguel Moreno's funeral. San Antonio Firefighter Scott Deem was killed in May, and Det. Benjamin Marconi was killed in November. All three were honored with photos at the entrance of the dining area.
The community support for the event this year has been "terrific," Miller said, and the club expects to surpass last year's 6,010 plates and set a new sales record.
"And the thoughts and prayers for our fallen, the Moreno family, for Officer Cavazos and his family and his healing, as well as for firefighter Scott Deem, Brad Phipps and his recovery, back to Ben Marconi. It's been a tough, tough last few months for us," Miller said.
Miller believes the fact that it is the 20th annual dinner is helping drive attendance.
When a firefighter or law enforcement officer dies, the 100 Club aims to immediately deliver funds to their family to help with unforeseen costs. It also offers higher education assistance to children of the fallen.
Miller said in recent years, the club has expanded its services to injured officers and firefighters. It also started a training initiative last year and is working on mental health awareness.
Amid the fundraising, the team from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office became the four-time, defending champs in a meatball-eating contest. Sergeant John Mahan, the team's top eater, credited his skill to a system. "And it doesn't hurt that I'm half-Italian," he said.
The dinner at The Historic Christopher Columbus Italian Society at 201 Piazza Italia lasts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or until the food runs out on Sunday. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $4.50 for children 12 and under.
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