Jane Lloyd Fund clambake: A rare and joyful way to ‘give back’

SALISBURY — The Jane Lloyd Fund hosted its ninth annual clambake at the ski jump site at Satre Hill on Saturday, July 26.More than 250 people gathered to enjoy seafood, potatoes and corn cooked in a traditional seaweed-and-stone kiln, as well as hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, beer and wine. Live music was provided by the Joint Chiefs and friends.The Jane Lloyd Fund, administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, was created to assist cancer patients in meeting their financial obligations, from phone and hospital bills to mortgages.Tanya Tedder said she remembers the first clambake, in 2006. “I thought it was going to be a one-year event.” Instead, she said, it was a “big hit” and has sold out every year.The main attraction was a kiln made out of stacked wood, containing rocks that gradually warmed as the wood was set ablaze. Raymond Zukowski came down, once again, from Gill, Mass., to build the kiln and cook the seafood. “I lived near Susan Lloyd in Northfield, and I’m friendly with the Lloyd family,” he said.“I offered to do a clambake for their fundraiser and have been doing it every year since.”The event has substantial community support. Tables and chairs were provided by several area churches, and tents were borrowed from the Lakeville Hose Company. Seventy-five volunteers donated their time.Cold treats were served from an ice cream truck on loan from the Sharon Fire Department.“Cancer has touched most peoples lives,” Tedder said, “and many people are happy and willing to give back.” Clambake tickets were $55 each, and Tedder said more than 250 tickets were sold. “But you don’t need a food ticket to attend,” Tedder said. “Anyone can come listen to music, buy a hot dog or a beer and enjoy themselves. We won’t turn anyone away.”Ed Covert, eating a plate of seafood, said, “It’s so hard to find a decent clambake these days.”When he heard about the Jane Lloyd Fund event, he bought tickets and brought his friends along. And while the food keeps everyone happy, Tedder said she knows what makes the event a success. “I believe everyone here comes because it is in their heart to give back and, to me, that’s so gratifying.”To learn more about the Jane Lloyd Fund, go to www.thejanelloydfund.org.