The Rotary Club of Burton Middlefield will once again host its Maple Splash Festival on Saturday, July 13
By Mary Malik
The list of individuals and organizations that benefit from the support of the Rotary Club of Burton Middlefield (RBM) is long and varied. The RBM is holding its fifth annual Maple Splash Raffle on Saturday, July 13, on the grounds of the Century Village Museum in Burton. The event raises the funds the RBM uses to help non-profit service organizations providing aid to veterans, senior citizens, abuse and human trafficking victims and so many others.
“We also help fund community lunch programs and provide academic and service scholarships to high school students. We’ve recently partnered with Kent State University for an endowment program and provided the Geauga County Sheriff’s department with the funds to purchase AEDs,” says RBM President Elect and Maple Splash Raffle creator Larry Fox. “Every year we keep trying to do more because there is such great need in our community. The Maple Splash Festival is a great way to support us in our efforts and have a great day of music, food and fun with the family.”
An ongoing event, the Maple Splash Raffle kicked off in January with $1,000 raffles on a monthly basis, leading up to the big event in July. It’s a way for the RBM to raise funds throughout the year.
“Tickets are available online or at any sponsor location,” Larry says. “We appreciate all the local businesses who support RBM throughout the year. Check the website for one near you.”
This year’s Maple Splash Raffle offers free admission and free parking and that’s only the beginning. The rain-or-shine, family-friendly event includes entertainment by Fox 8’s own Todd Meany, lead singer of the popular Ace Molar band, along with the integrated band RockAbility.
“RockAbility is a program sponsored by NPower Services that welcomes musicians with disabilities into performance-based musical projects of various genres,” says Larry. “RockAbility increases confidence for these band members and helps to build community connections through music. They’re so talented and a lot of fun to rock out with.”
Along with the music are food trucks, beer and wine sales and a non-profit booth area including 28 organizations eager to spread their missions and provide attendees with information and opportunities to get involved.
Raffles throughout the day lead up to the grand prize winner of a 2023 Chevy Silverado, courtesy of Preston Chevrolet. Other raffle items include everything from a complete hunting package to a 65-inch flat-screen television and diamond earrings. Check the website for a complete list.
“The Re/Max hot air balloon sponsored by owner Ann Blair will be floating in the skies over the festival,” says Larry. “We’ll also have a 50/50 online raffle (currently at $9,000 and growing). The Maple Splash Raffle just keeps getting better every year.”
Larry says last year’s event grew by 28% from the previous year and he hopes for an even greater increase this year.
“All proceeds go directly to helping these non-profit organizations,” says Larry. “They can’t do what they do without our help. So, join us on July 13. You’re doing your part to support this community simply by attending.”
For more information on the Maple Splash Festival and raffle, check the website MapleSplashRaffle.com and for information on the RBM check BurtonRotary.org or Facebook.