One of the region’s most popular—and benevolent—fundraisers is all set for this Saturday evening.
Between 5 and 8:30 p.m., the community is encouraged to swing by the parish center of the Church of the Immaculate Conception off Main Road on Quiogue to enjoy a buffet dinner while also helping restock the parish’s food pantry for the upcoming winter. In addition to buying tickets for the dinner, which cost $17 for adults and $8 for children if purchased in advance—the price goes up to $20 if bought at the door—attendees are encouraged to bring at least one nonperishable food item though, if history is any indication, most donate far more than that.
“All the proceeds go to benefit the food pantry, which is an ecumenical organization that provides assistance to our local families in need,” said Beth Flanagan, a member of the Rotary Club of Westhampton, which is taking the reins of this year’s fundraiser while still receiving assistance from two other local organizations: the Kiwanis Club of Greater Westhampton and the Father Slomski Council of the Knights of Columbus.
“Along with food provided to families who need it, there’s monetary help provided for rent assistance or heating assistance,” added Ms. Flanagan, who is chairing this year’s fundraiser. “Even rides to the doctor.”
Attendees will enjoy a buffet dinner courtesy of Sydney’s “Taylor” Made Cuisine of Westhampton Beach, as well as fresh rolls and apple strudel from Beach Bakery Cafe, also in the village. Two other local businesses—Shock Ice Cream and Hampton Coffee Company—will be donating the desserts. Beverages, including beer, wine and soda, will be available for purchase.
Organizers have also scheduled activities for the children, including a Halloween parade, face painting and a craft table. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes to the dinner, which has been held for at least the past two decades. “There’s the straw raffle everyone loves with lots of prizes, and a silent auction that should not be missed,” Ms. Flanagan added.
Though Rotarians are in charge of this year’s event, members of the local Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus organizations still solicit donations as part of an ongoing joint effort that always succeeds in restocking the food pantry. “We have been able to fully stock the shelves of the food pantry and we’ve been able to hand over a cash donation as well,” Ms. Flanagan noted.
The Rotary Club has orchestrated the dinner each of the last two years. Starting next year, the Knights of Columbus will take over that responsibility, followed by the Kiwanis in 2019 and 2020, she explained.
On Saturday evening, members of each organization will be joined by high school students on the local Interact and Key clubs in serving food and drinks. They will also assist with the ensuing cleanup.
Tickets can be purchased in advance from one of the following businesses: Lynne’s Cards and Gifts, The Hentschel Agency, Flowers by Rori and Bridgehampton National Bank. Family discounts are also available.