Over $16,000 was raised for the Rotary Club thanks to the first Honorary Mayor of Danvers fundraiser that took place on June 30 at the Rotary Pavilion. 

The concept, established by Rotary member Neal Waldman, came to him after attending a similar event last year on Nantucket. 

Of the eight candidates, Kary Andrinopolous, of Brother's Restaurant and Deli was deemed the Honorary Mayor. Town Manager Wayne Marquis announced the winner, stating, "Come up here Kary, I want to meet my new boss." 

Larry DeLorenzo, the rotary sheriff, joked and assured audiences that "[Andrinopolous] will only help. This guy [Marquis] is still okay, he'll still be in town."

The elections began on April 1. "It's a mock election, we figured we'd start on April Fools Day," said Waldman. 

Throughout the campaign candidates put out advertisements, printed posters, and on the morning of June 27 winner Andrinopolous held a campaign rally outside of Brother's Restaurant & Deli. 

3239 votes were counted, and DeLorenzo was a part of the voting process to assure there was "no hanky panky," according to Tom Manual, Rotary Sergeant-at-Arms.

Waldman said a majority of the voting was done online at $5 per vote, along with ballot boxes placed at the library, YMCA, and other local establishments. 

Among his prizes, Andrinopolous received "Mayoring For Dummies," a key to the city, a plaque, and a $500 check for any charity of his choice.

Andrinopolous said he wanted to appoint Dick Mood, who came in second in the running, as his Assistant Mayor. 

The $16,000 raised will go towards various efforts that the rotary supports, including scholarships and camperships. 

Waldman said the Honorary Mayor Elections will happen again someday, but not necessarily next year. 

The eight candidates for Honorary Mayor were each applauded for their efforts: