Drive-through Dinosaur dinner is top MS fundraiser

There are all kinds of bonuses to the annual Dinosaur BBQ and Gianelli Sausage Fundraiser put on by the Skaneateles Middle School Student Council.

First, the event (which is Wednesday, September 28, starting at 3 p.m.) gives families, sports teams, community members, teachers and others the chance to pick up a tasty meal while supporting kids in their volunteer efforts. That translates into a night without cooking, and the great opportunity to eat Dinosaur BBQ without leaving the zip code.

Second, the event provides a total leadership and learning opportunity for middle school students, who organize, plan and manage it all from start to finish. While student council members coordinate, a large group of other students help take orders and serve. It becomes a grand social event right there in the front of the middle school, where drivers pull through the circle and order in a way reminiscent of old-fashioned drive-ins with car hops.

Third, the proceeds support all of the good things that the student council does all year long, including the annual holiday shopping spree which provides (along with Todd’s Fund) toys for hundreds of children. And so the $9 that is spent on a delicious meal also ends up doing all levels of good.

Here are the details:

For $9 a meal, diners can choose between a Ginaelli Sausage sandwich with peppers and onions, a Dinosaur Barbecue pulled pork sandwich and a Carolina Sandwich pulled pork topped with coleslaw.  Dinners include Dinosaur Barbecue style baked beans, coleslaw, chips and soda or water.

Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase at the Middle School Open House on Sept. 22.

The event is from 3 p.m. until the food is sold out.  “It happens,” says Adviser Scott Stagnitta of this popular event which he started with his student council officers 17 years ago.

Because of the outdoor nature of the event, there is a rain date: September 29, same time same place.