Italian Dinner to raise money for Wreaths Across America
Italian Dinner to raise money for Wreaths Across America
Council: 10020 - No. WINDHAM
Project Description:
Wreaths Across America started off in Maine as a small effort to recognize our veterans. It has grown now to serve thousands of veterans who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. A convoy of trucks leave Maine led by a motorcycle escort to deliver the wreaths. Hundreds of thousands of fresh wreaths, made in Maine, are brought to military cemeteries both in the U.S. and abroad, including Arlington National Cemetery, and placed by volunteers to every headstone for the Christmas season. Our Council believes this is one way to honor the thousands of heroes that served our country and gave their lives. To raise money to support this cause, our Council again this year served up an Italian Dinner in November 2019.
Our Council efforts to run the dinner began a month before the dinner with several Brother Knights creating publicity for the event by sending announcements to local papers about the event, posting the event on the parish sign, printing and stuffing flyers into the parish bulletin a week before the event, and talking up the event in the community. Other Brother Knights announced the event at masses, and encouraged parishioners to attend post mass on the day of the event.
One Brother Knight and his wife took the lead as the head chefs for the event, buying food supplies and making the home made pasta and sauce. Another Brother Knight and his spouse made the meat balls. Another Brother Knight made and donated the traditional Italian Antipasto. Multiple Brother Knights and their spouses made or bought over 150 desert servings. The full dinner included antipasto, meatballs, pasta, rolls, pizza for children, coffee, tea, punch, and the dessert buffet.
On the morning of the event, nine Brother Knights set up the parish hall, moving the movable walls, setting up tables and chairs, place mats, centerpieces, napkins and silverware. All dishes and silverware were pre-washed. In the early afternoon Brother Knights and their spouses arrived to prepare and cook the meal. Thirteen Brother Knights and their spouses dished out and served the meal to 76 community attendees and helped clean up and put tables and chairs away post event.
During the event, a special guest from Wreaths Across America spoke to all present about the history and success of the event. The dinner raised $735 and a 50/50 raffle raised another $87.
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