One shell of a fundraiser: Grange sells lobster rolls to go
Sep 5, 2020
Dartmouth resident Joan McKinley orders a lobster roll at the organization’s first to-go event on Sept. 5. Photos by: Christopher Shea
Grange member Maureen Fitzgerald assembles a lobster roll as a customer tries to get a peek.
Grange treasurer Nancy Manley bags an order.
Desa Van Laarhoven poses with her order of ten lobster rolls.
A sign for the fundraiser.
Each year, the Dartmouth Grange’s annual fair is not only a great way for residents to get together and celebrate rural Dartmouth, but it is also the fraternal organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year.
Because of the pandemic, the fair — along with other in-person events — had to be postponed. To raise the necessary funds, the fraternal organization came up with a delicious substitute: lobster rolls to go.
“When we have our fair, people just love the lobster rolls,” Grange president Elizabeth Newton said. “This was something we knew we could do and would not be hard.”
After the first half hour, more than half of the rolls were gone. An hour later, the Grange was completely sold out.
“They sold like lobster rolls,” Newton laughed. “Next time we’re going to have to get some more supplies.”
She said it was great to finally hold some sort of event after being closed since March. Newton added that she hopes the Grange can host its annual potluck or winter concert, but said “it’s very unlikely.”
“This little fundraiser is a great way for us to keep going,” Newton said. “Thankfully we’re pretty careful with our money and weren’t hit as hard as other granges.”
Attendees said they were more than happy to help out the Grange — especially since it meant they’d get a lobster roll in return.
“Might as well give your support and get something you like,” Dartmouth resident and Grange member Joan McKinley laughed.
McKinley added that the lobster roll takeout was one of the few social events she has been to during the pandemic, and that she planned to enjoy the meal with her husband and friend as part of a socially distanced dinner.
“My husband doesn’t like lobster, so I’ll have to make him a ham and cheese sandwich,” she added.
Round the Bend Farm Executive Director Desa Van Laarhoven bought ten rolls. She said she was more than happy to help out a local organization in-need and “couldn’t think of a better treat to give the teammates at the farm.”
The Grange will host another lobster roll takeout on Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Masks will be required.
