NEW ULM — Just before storm clouds broke over New Ulm, residents could breakfast at a local restaurant and raise money for community programming.

George’s Fine Steaks & Spirits served 130 breakfasts Saturday morning, a large turnout for the CAST (Community and Seniors Together) Breakfast Fundraiser.

“It is like a community catch up with each other,” Director of Senior Programming Kathy Austinson said. “I love the buzz in the room as I love the buzz in the room of the Senior Center because, it is the socializing that we are trying to facilitate.”

Guests paid $5 for a ticket, either in advance or at the door, to eat a breakfast of biscuits with gravy, a cheese omelet, juice and coffee.

George and Karen Cottom volunteered to make the food and donated the ingredients to the cause. CAST board members volunteered as servers during the meal.

“George creates all of the omelets and biscuits from scratch and he volunteers his time,” Austinson said. “That is how he gives back and we appreciate it.”

The funds go to help pay for CAST’s programming. That includes programs like a smart phone presentation on June 21.

It also helps pay for lessons from OboeBass! a chamber music duo. Carrie Vecchione and Rolf Erdahl, who play Oboe and double bass respectively, will kick off the Castle life-long learning series in September.

OboeBass! will teach four sessions total, partially covered by a grant from the Prairie Lakes Art Council.