This past weekend, the United Community Scholarship Foundation served more than 600 breakfasts toward that goal during its annual Eggstravaganza breakfast at Winona Friends Church.

Ruth Ann Rinto, UCSF secretary and one of the event’s organizers, explained the non-profit had to move the fundraiser to the church for the last two years due to a lack of parking created by the construction next to United Local’s campus, where they had held the breakfast.

Rinto also is a United Local school board member and a former administrator for the district.

Almost 100 volunteers come together to put on the event.

One of the group’s original board members, Dr. John Jewell, explained that the organization was founded back in 1984, when a group of 15 people, including then-United Superintendent Gary Meier, Dr. Bruce Marhefka DVM, and Timothy Mudric met in the United High School library, wanting to come up with ways to financially assist United High School seniors who wanted to attend college.

They initially held a steak dinner to benefit the effort for a couple of years before switching their main event to the traditional-style breakfast and ultimately, the All-You-Can-Eat Eggstravaganza breakfast with the current menu.

Rinto acknowledged that the group has become renowned for the event, which includes made-to-order omelets, crepes and donuts plus both hot and cold beverages.

Generally all costs to put on the meal are covered by sponsors that include Steel Valley Gas Mart, Thomas Market, Insta Copy of Salem, Hanoverton Hardware, Soltice Electric, Hawkins Insurance, the Dairy Boosters, Zep’s Pizza at Pinky’s, Mark’s Landing, Hull’s Super Duper, Rob’s Horst Packing and Giant Eagle Salem, allowing them to hold the event this year without passing along the additional cost to consumers due to escalating egg prices.

After last year’s event, the UCSF awarded 32 scholarships, including three $2,000 to students for technical schools, to the ULHS Class of 2024, totaling $31,000.

Rinto said she is proud that they now have scholarships beyond just colleges and universities.

“It is very important for us to recognize there are multiple career paths,” she said, adding pride in United Local’s robust career tech programs. “United Local is a well kept secret.”

In addition to Rinto, the UCSF includes 23 other board members, including president David Gilliss, treasurer Sue Anderson and Vice President Derek Coffee.

Even the district’s youngest students got involved in Saturday’s event, making placemats that graced the table tops throughout the church gymnasium.

Rinto explained the “Best in Class” grade level winners had been hung on a wall in the event area.

In addition to doing the annual breakfast in February/March, the group solicits donations in December through a letter writing campaign.

Rinto said she hopes that this dedication of the community, whether a volunteer or local business, is contagious by example.

“We have such a feeling of community at United Local, and it is rewarding to see that altruism modeled among our (youth),” she concluded.