Third annual dinner a big success
Volunteers from all corners of town and community members, young and old, came together to make the third annual dinner a big success.
More than 150 people were served this year despite the early calendar for the 2012 Thanksgiving and the slow sign-up. With a capacity for 200, the organizing committee is looking to promote the event next year even more actively.
“It is designed for people who are on their own, and others who enjoy being with the wider community; kind of like the summertime National Night Out,” said Molly Minnick who came up with the sit-down dinner idea in 2010.
Special thanks go to the many volunteers of all ages and the groups and organizations contributing materially or with financial support: National Honor Society of SJHS, Dewitt Meijers; Rotary, Kiwanis, and Big Boy all of St. Johns.
Area churches involved in organizing and working include First Congregational (event site), First United Methodist, and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Among the first and sustaining sponsors have been the physicians, as well as the Sparrow Clinton Hospital and its kitchen staff, in particular, for preparing the fresh-killed turkeys that come with support from the East Lansing Food Coop.
Community events like these benefit from the discount offered by Gordon Foods, too. In addition, this year the organizers are thankful for the individual donations that were made. Donations made on the day of the event are earmarked for the Basic Needs Center in downtown St. Johns.