OSWEGO, NY – Bosco & Geers Market in Oswego has been a long-time Oswego community institution, and its current-day owners and siblings, Joe Jr., John and Theresa (Bosco) Himes recently served the needs of those less fortunate by hosting an Oswego Salvation Army Guest Chef Dinner Program.
The event, held at the American Foundry this past spring, attracted more than 225 community members, whose collective participation raised more than $2,100 for the Army’s “I Believe†campaign.
The Boscos developed their own menu for the fundraiser consisting of Italian briochole and a specialty salad known as the “Joe Bosco Salad†– a dish named after their late-father and available locally at Canale’s Restaurant.
Canale’s also partnered with the Bosco family at the event by providing their homemade salad dressing and cooking utensils.
“We really appreciated the Bosco family participating in our Guest Chef dinner,†said Oswego Salvation Army Captain Corinne Hayes. “The Boscos are very committed to the Oswego community and have such a strong following. It was thrilling to be a part of the family’s dedication to this community.â€Â
Bosco & Geers has been a family-owned and operated fixture on East Avenue in Oswego since 1962.
The market is famous for its specialty meat.
According to co-owner Joe Jr., the family decided to participate in the Guest Chef program as a way to give back to the local community and to the Salvation Army for its work.
“The Salvation Army is out there every day helping people, and is always there for community members in need,†he said. “The Army even takes the time to minister to the elderly and the nursing homes, which is typically an under-served group. The work they do every day is comprehensive and impressive, and our family was more than happy to assist them in raising the funds they need to continue to provide their vital services.â€Â
“We also greatly appreciate the efforts of the Ciappa family for allowing us and the Oswego Salvation Army to use their wonderful facility – The American Foundry – for the event,†he added.
The Bosco family has also always had a special connection to the Salvation Army, a partnership that started more than 60 years ago during World War II.
“During World War II, our father, Joseph Bosco, went overseas to serve our country,†Joe Jr. explained. “When he landed as a replacement rifleman in Le Havre, France, in December 1944 after a very long journey, the Salvation Army was there for him. When he got off the troop transport, the Salvation Army provided him with a sweater and a nice, warm cup of coffee. That winter turned out to be one of the coldest and most brutal in European history. Our father kept that sweater, and he used it to keep him warm that winter. He always appreciated the comfort and the kindness the Salvation Army provided to him. We are happy to give a little of that comfort back.â€Â
The Oswego Salvation Army is part of the International Salvation Army organization, which is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.
The local citadel provides food, education, services and spiritual support to the local community.
Anyone interested in information about programs or serving as a volunteer at the Oswego Salvation Army can call (315) 343-6491 or stop by the office at 85 W. Third St.
The Army‘s “I Believe†campaign also continues to raise funds for renovations for the Army’s new facility.
Progress updates on that project are available at http://oswegosa.com
missing or outdated ad config
