Breakfast, Balloons and Bunny Hugs

The cafeteria at Brookfield High School slowly filled to capacity Saturday morning for the 21st Annual Bunny Breakfast. More than 600 people arrived to enjoy a full breakfast, games, prizes and a visit with the Easter Bunny.

"It looks like another record turnout," said Donna Horree, president of Brookfield Newcomers and Neighbors Club, the organization that holds the event yearly. It takes at least six months of planning and dozens of volunteers to make it a success, according to Horree.  

Tickets were $7 for adults and $4 for children and guests received a full breakfast with their choice of pancakes, eggs, pastries, fruit, juice and coffee.  All proceeds from the breakfast go back to the community in the form of scholarships for graduating Brookfield High School seniors. Depending on the amount of money raised, the club will donate to community projects or organizations.

Kids were greeted at the door with bunny ears, courtesy of Girl Scout Troop 50506, led by M.J.Conte and Jean Hartell and entertained by balloon sculptor Peter Lane.  The youth group from Prince of Peace Church managed a wide variety of games for the kids, including a mini egg hunt, football toss and face painting.

Over 70 local businesses and individuals donated goods and services for the event. A Newcomers Club member and volunteer  Gail Noto assembled 80 elaborate gift baskets filled with donated gifts to be raffled off at the breakfast. There was a basket to match just about every interest, from spa services, to restaurant gift cards to baskets overflowing with toys, candles, gardening and pet supplies.  Guests also had the opportunity to bid in the silent auction hoping to win a big prize, like a Nintendo Wii or summer camp tuition at the Goddard School.

Close to 20 vendor tables included a few unique offerings from Brookfield residents. "Gabby's Jewelry Creations" featured pieces designed and crafted by Gabrielle Elisabeth Garcia, a fifth grade student at Whisconier Middle School. Brookfield mom and designer Jen Falci showed off her handmade matching dresses for little girls and their dolls. Falci also creates custom blankets, scarves and baby blankets for "Handmade by Jennifer."

The Brookfield Newcomers and Neighbors Club, a non-profit organization, was formed by the Welcome Wagon in 1966. In addition to special events, they also hold monthly socials and several special interest groups for members that share similar hobbies. They provide services to the community as well, in the form of blood drives and fundraising for scholarships.