Italian dinner raises $21,297 for the annual Wings campaign

Bob Zaccheo is thankful for his good health and that of his family, but if there comes a day when he or his family is stricken, he hopes folks like those who attended the Italian Dinner to benefit Wings will respond.

Zaccheo, who owns the Yaak River Tavern at 29462 Yaak River Road, hosted a benefit for Wings in which “just more than 100 people attended,” and the group raised $21,297 for Wings, the Lincoln County charity that aids cancer patients with travel and hotel expenses.

“It’s a great, great thing,” Zaccheo said Sunday of Wings. “They do so much for so many people.”

The event, which was May 12, offered a lasagna, spaghetti, meatball and sausauge dinner with a salad and cheesecake and raised about $200 per attendee.

“We charged $8 a ticket, so, yes, we have some terrific people here,” said Zaccheo. “The auction and everything was very successful.”

Wings benefit organizer Connie Wood said the event could help set a record for fundraising.

“We’re all pretty excited about those wonderful people in the Yaak have done for Wings,” Wood said Sunday.

“Those people are incredible. All of the folks in Libby Troy and all of Lincoln County are incredible.

“We’re at $58,000 now, and I hoping we can get to $60,000, which would be a new record for us. Everyone has been so generous,” Wood said.

Zaccheo credited the success of the event to three other people who helped serve on the committee, including Jim Mayo, Sharon Sullivan and Joanne Linehan.

“Sharon and Joanne just did a fantastic job about getting auction items and raising money,” Zaccheo said. “Everyone did a great job. We really do just have some great people here.”