Haddock Dinner Fundraiser to support the Community of the Resurrection

02/20/2020

Council: 10020 - No. WINDHAM

Project Description:

The Community of the Resurrection Sisters are an Apostolic and Contemplative Order formed under the Dominican Society and recognized by the Diocese of Portland Maine. The sisters are self-supportive and raise their operating income from donations, the boarding of dogs, and raising of sheep on a farm in a nearby community. The Sisters are a 501c3 organization who take in women and children who are in need. Often the people show up with nothing with them and need to find a place to hide and repair from an abusive or dangerous situation. The community members also visit men and women in prison, bringing them the good news of our faith. Community members are also active members in our parish life, participating at daily mass and leading programs encouraging the faith and engagement of our lay parishioners. The Sisters, and our Brother Knights, frequently offer mutual support. The Sisters donate items for our annual yard sale. Brother Knights often visit the farm to assist with various maintenance projects. We hold an annual picnic on the farm for the Sisters, Brother Knights and spouses to socialize in the community.

A month before the Haddock Dinner preparations began. Several Brothers took the lead on publicity – sending announcements to local papers about the event, posting the event on the parish sign, printing and stuffing flyers into the parish bulletin, announcing the event at masses, and encouraging parishioners to attend post mass on the day of the event. One Brother Knight took the lead on ordering the fresh haddock from Harbor Fish Market. Another took the lead on obtaining all the remaining food and supplies.

On the morning of the event, April 6, 2019, nine Brother Knights and two spouses began the prep. Brother Knights prepped the hall, moving the movable walls, setting up tables and chairs, setting out table cloths, placemats, napkins, centerpieces, pre-washing all forks/knives/spoons and plates. Brother Knights peeled and cut the 50 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut the carrots, and made the coleslaw. Spouses cut and weighed the haddock, was well as seasoning, buttering, and breading the fish. In the early afternoon, sixteen Brother Knights finished cooking and prepping the meal which consisted of Haddock, mashed potatoes, carrots, coleslaw, rolls, butter, coffee/tea/punch, and about 150 servings of deserts made or bought by the Knights and their spouses. A pizza alternative was also available for those who do not like fish. Over 130 meals were served. A 50/50 auction raised additional money. After expenses, the event raised $700 for the Community of the Resurrection.