Music will once again fill the air at the 26th annual Breakfast for the Bands fundraiser being held on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Fitchburg High School.
The location of the fundraiser established in 1995 by the Fitchburg and Leominster Rotary clubs alternates between Fitchburg and Leominster high schools. Event organizers always hold the event on the Sunday before the big Thanksgiving football matchup, a longtime historic rivalry between the two high school teams that, this year, will take place at Fenway Park on Nov. 22, being the first time the game was held outside the two cities.

Musicians from each of the high school bands will show off their talents with sets of music throughout the morning event that raises funds for the bands and football players from each school will be on the serving line after 9 a.m. Tickets are $8 apiece and can be purchased at the door for the affair co-chaired by Paul Gauvin from the Rotary Club of Fitchburg and John Tata from the Rotary Club of Leominster.
“Proceeds from the breakfast are crucial in supporting the fine young musicians from the Fitchburg and Leominster communities,” said Fitchburg East Rotary Secretary Karen Fusco. “Over the years, local businesses have supported this event with placemat ads, corporate and banner sponsors, and more.”

The longtime dedicated Rotarian said they expect to feed over 950 people who will enjoy all kinds of delicious breakfast foods including eggs, bacon, French toast, pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee and juices. Over 40 volunteers will help serve the food and provide support, local officials and community members including Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, Rotarians, students, representatives from the music booster clubs, and more.
“Proceeds from the breakfast will be presented to each of the high school bands in January and are crucial to the support of our young aspiring musicians,” said Fusco, adding that over $100,000 raised over the years through the annual event has been donated to the bands.