Italian Dinner to raise money for Wreaths Across America

02/28/2019

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 leaves Maine led by a motorcycle escort to deliver the wreaths. The last few years the escort has been spearheaded by our Former First Lady of Maine Ann LePage. Hundreds of thousands of fresh wreaths, made in Maine, are brought to military cemeteries both in the US and abroad, including Arlington National Cemetery, and placed by volunteers on 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 help support this cause, our Council again this year served up an Italian Dinner in November 2018.

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 publicity 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 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, seven 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 are pre-washed. In the early afternoon, Brother Knights and their spouses arrived to prepare and cook the meal. Twenty four Brother Knights and spouses dished out and served the meal to 80 community participants.

During the event, special guest Julie Hinke from Worcester Wreath, the Founders of Wreaths Across America, spoke to all present about the history and success of the program. A 50/50 raffle was also held and raised $84 for the cause. Over $800 was raised by the event.