Groundhog Day Event Puts 'Unity' in Community [VIDEO]

[Edtor's Note- Timestamp error: Originally posted Feb. 1, 2013]

Those who attend the annual Salvation Army of Greater Nashua Groundhog Day Breakfast have come to expect a few things, like a consistently delicious meal, a well-choreographed flow so everyone gets to work on time, and a satisfying mix of politics and punditry, where feel-good community spirit meets fiscal stewardship.

Friday's 13th such breakfast did not disappoint.

Newly elected NH GOP Committee Chair Jennifer Horn, who has served as event emcee for three years, did not flinch as she introduced this year's honoree, a Democrat.

Republican Mayor Donnalee Lozeau was caught on film breaking bread with Gov. Maggie Hassan, a Democrat, who was seated next to her.

The function room at the Crowne Plaza was filled with white collar and blue collar city employees, Republicans and Democrats, State Reps and city Aldermen, interspersed and unidentifiable by their personal politics, all interested in showing support for the tireless efforts of the Salvation Army.

Whether it's holding Sunday church services, assisting families in need following a fire, sending kids to summer camp, collecting and stuffing backpacks so kids in need can return to school ready to learn, or offering a cup of hot cocoa and kindness to emergency workers called to action in the middle of a mid-winter's night, all recognize the vital work the Salvation Army provides to the community at large.

Lozeau took a moment to run down some numbers.

"The Salvation Army volunteered, working with fire and rescue in the last year, 812 hours. They served 2,493 individuals, provided 780 meals and 5938 snacks ...  we don't often think about what they do with our firefighters, to provide that service," Lozeau said.

Throughout the morning, Horn graciously but effectively worked the crowd for donations to help send kids to Camp Sebago, which costs about $85 per child per week. Also, several auction items were up for grabs, featuring photos and memorabilia autographed by notable professional sports figures, including former Boston Celtic's Ray Allen, and Patriots' Rob Gronkowski.

But the most persuasive testimonial came from Jennifer Buskey, a Nashua mom who has experienced first-hand how life-changing Salvation Army's many services can be.

She gave a brief but emotional account of how her children have both thrived through opportunities to volunteer and attend after school programs and camp made possible by the Salvation Army.

She also shared, through some tears, how her relationship with the Salvation Army made a world of difference when her life took an unexpected turn, and she found herself a single mom looking for a new home.

She talked about the humbling experience of receiving help from the Salvation Army's Santa Fund, and having the organization offer to sponsor her daughter's summer camp experience.

"They brought such joy to them. It was the best Christmas I ever had,"  Buskey said, adding that she hoped to one day be able to give back in the same way that her family had been helped.

"Jennifer, you said you hoped some day you could pay it forward to the Salvation Army, and you just did, by sharing your story and helping us do what we need to do today," Horn said.

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Meteorologist Ron Carolan provided some historical weather statistics and ran down his prediction for the rest of this winter season, which looks like an unseasonably warm February, followed by a cold and wet March (see video.)

And Jamie Trowbridge of Yankee Magazine, decked out in the period formalwear worn at Gobblers Knob each Groundhog Day, including a stovepipe hat, ended on a humorous note, with a variety of New England-style quips.

Recognition awards this year went to:

• Linda Leedburg, Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year

• Nashua Fire Deputy Chief Brian Rhodes, Salvation Army Advisory Board Member of the Year

• St. Christopher School, “Angel Award”  for holiday contributions by students
• New Balance employees from Merrimack Premium Outlets, Community Sponsor of the Year

The annual breakfast is one of two primary fundraising events for the local outreach programs. Donations are always welcome throughout the year. Contact the Salvation Army of Greater Nashua, 1 Montgomery Ave., via Captains David and Norma Moore, or call 603-889-5151 to volunteer. You can find out more here about opportunities available all year round to make a difference.