Legislator John Mills thanks communities for supporting library hot dog roasts

CONCORD –– Erie County Legislator John Mills presented donations from his sixth annual hot dog roast fundraisers to the Collins and Concord library directors on Monday, Aug. 6. Proceeds from these fundraisers surpassed the amounts raised last year.

“I want to thank the community and volunteers for their support,” Mills said. “Each year, the hot dog roast fundraisers grow in popularity, and, once again, these events were sell-outs. Through the generosity of the supporters, the libraries will benefit greatly from these donations. The Concord and Collins libraries are a significant part of the towns and villages they serve, and these donations help them to continue to provide quality programming and materials.”

Mills presented a $1,410 donation to Concord Library Director Annette Gernatt during a presentation held at that library. Concord Supervisor Gary Eppolito, who joined volunteers in the rain during the Concord fundraiser on July 19, was also in attendance.

“After a historically dry summer, one of the few days it rained was during the Concord Library fundraiser, but that didn’t stop a large crowd from gathering. I was very impressed with the outpouring of support,” said Mills.

“The library board, town officials, library staff, volunteers and the community have been supportive over the years and enjoy Legislator John Mills fundraiser. The donations will be used for children’s programming, summer reading and the Battle of the Books reading incentives. Thank you,” Gernatt said.



Mills also noted the fundraiser held at the Collins Library on July 14. A $1,070 donation was presented to Library Director Karen McClure, as a result of that event.

“The fundraiser helps to purchase materials or items we wouldn’t otherwise be able to. Legislator Mills is so generous with his time; everything. This is truly wonderful of him and the community responds every year,” McClure said.

Using a portion of his salary, Mills purchases the materials for the hot dog roast fundraisers and then donates 100 percent of the proceeds to the host library. To date, he has raised more than $25,000 for the libraries in his district. In addition to the volunteers and supporters, Mills recognized the support of Sahlen’s for providing the grill for the roasts.

Additional fundraisers will be held on the following dates:

– Aug. 16 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Boston Free Library, 9475 Boston State Road, Boston.

– Saturday, Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at West Falls-Colden Library, 1966 Davis Road, West Falls.

For more information on the hot dog roast fundraisers or to speak with Mills, contact his legislative office at 858-8850 or email him at john.mills@erie.gov.