A large cross-section of the community gathered Thursday at the Senior Activities Center for a coney dog fundraiser for the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Special Needs Children's Playground Program.

Families, elected and appointed officials, along with the staff and participants from the summer playground program, gathered to enjoy the dinner which is also one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the program.

Volunteers from the Warren De La Salle basketball team, St. Clair Shores Lakers Unified Hockey Team and the Senior Center of the Shores Board helped serve food and tend tables throughout the night.

Joe Grimm, co-author of "Coney Detroit," also attended the event to discuss his book and all-things coney.