WESTFIELD-With the holiday season closing in, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce has started selling tickets for its popular Holiday Breakfast that supports a local beneficiary.
The annual event is slated Dec. 13 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the East Mountain Country Club on East Mountain Road.
“The Chamber has been hosting a breakfast in December for over 50 years,” said Kate Phelon, executive director. “Every year the Chamber selects a holiday spirit beneficiary and this year we selected the 104th Air National Guard families.”
The 104th Fighter Wing is located at Barnes Air National Guard Base.
Phelon said a variety of items are needed by families, ranging from clothing for girls, sizes 2T, 3T, and 4/5, to clothing for boys in sizes 8/10 and 10/12. For attendees who wish to donate toys, Legos, dinosaurs and books for boys ages 6 to 8 are recommended, and educational toys are suggested for two girls, ages 2 and 8, who are learning English as a second language.
“Diapers of all sizes and wipes are also needed for babies,” said Phelon.
Gift cards in any denomination are also appreciated and can be used year-round, from cash and VISA cards, to drug stores, gas stations, grocery stores and Walmart, according to Phelon.
Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager Lisa Potito said Air Guard members and families face financial hardships created by their military service in a variety of circumstances.
“Circumstances such as when military pay is less than their civilian earning during annual trainings or during state emergency duty, or when military pay is less than their child care needs for drill weekends,” said Potito.
Potito noted that underemployment due to frequent absences for military service or military associated duties can also negatively impact upward mobility.
“Airman and Family Readiness promotes and teaches all our airmen fiscal responsibility throughout their career and assists in finding economic assistance in difficult times, said Potito.
As part of the holiday festivities, speakers will include state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr., R-Westfield, and state Rep. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, as well as Potito. Phelon will also address the group by sharing her thoughts on the Chamber’s accomplishments this year and events to look forward to in 2020.
Basia Belz, owner of Vivid Hair Salon in Westfield, will serve as the chief greeter for the event.
To round out the morning’s festivities, the Westfield High School Show Choir will perform.
All chamber events are open to the general public, however, there may be a different ticket price for nonmembers. For the holiday breakfast, tickets are $28 for Chamber members and $43 for nonmembers. The deadline to purchase tickets is Dec. 9, however, walk-ins will be accepted the morning of the breakfast.
Phelon encourages chamber members and nonmembers to attend the annual festive affair.
“For chamber members, it’s an opportunity to network, connect with business friends, and support the holiday spirit beneficiary,” said Phelon. “In addition, members will hear about Chamber notes and changes for 2020.”
For nonmembers, Phelon said it is an opportunity to see what a Chamber breakfast is about, to hear from the speakers, and make business connections.
Sponsors at press time include Staples, platinum level; Easthampton Savings Bank, silver; Shortstop Bar & Grill, bronze, and Westfield Starfires, coffee bar sponsor. Additional sponsorships are still available by calling (413) 568-1618.
For more information on the holiday breakfast and to purchase tickets, visit the office at 16 North Elm St. or call the office.
