Special Day

We had a great evening. We 'hosted' several tables of 8, and were told we were responsible for 120 or so. There were many boy scouts there, and they provided several gifts of popcorn and nuts. The scout leader was a great gal and happened to be at a table we were responsible for. She came from a large family, and was raised with camping and fishing. Funny. We talked fly fishing and ice fishing the whole evening. Ellie laughed out loud at some of her jokes. When the guests sat down to eat, we discovered that the actual combined total of guests were 800. It was really neat. Everyone had different centerpieces and gifts. The Children's Choir was there, and Mrs. McClain mentioned that she really missed James. Apparently the group is dwindling in number. They sounded good. The sound system was poor, but it was obvious the kids did a great job. Several middle school teachers also mentioned that they missed James. The caterer was Linstroms, our wedding caterer, and they mentioned to us how happy they were to cater the first wedding at Holy Family. We got a Christmas card from them and also from the Children's Chorale. How nice. I managed to hold several babies while their folks ate, and was "spit-up" on by several babies. One little guy was just 5 months old, and the single mom said she hadn't been out since he was born. He was a great little guy, and we managed a photo of him with Santa. Here is the article from the paper. They failed to mention that turkey was the entree. It smelled insanely good.

The Salvation Army, Fond du Lac Corps, today announced that Tom Herre, City Manager of Fond du Lac, has accepted the honorary position as chair of its first annual Salvation Army Community Christmas Dinner. The dinner event will be held on Friday, December 21 at 6P.M. at the Recreation Building on the Fond du Lac Fairgrounds. The first-time event is open to Salvation Army clients who can register to attend when they sign up for Christmas assistance the week of November 3 - 9.

"This is a celebration of humanity," said Herre, "and I am delighted to be part of the start of what will be a new and great Fond du Lac tradition. It will be a first class dinner, and a first class event," continues Herre. "The Community Christmas Dinner brings together the community in a new way, helping all to feel valued and an important part of the Fond du Lac Community."

"The event will feature a traditional Christmas dinner. We have been overwhelmed with the generosity the people and businesses of Fond du Lac" said Jamie Winkler, Captain of the Fond du Lac Salvation Army. "Girl Scout Troops are baking and donating pies. Linstrom's Catering is providing mashed potatoes, cranberry, rolls and butter. We will be receiving cooking assistance from the culinary arts school at MPTC."

Dinner will be served by individuals, families, service groups, churches, and youth group volunteers who will be "table hosts." Each table will be covered with a linen table cloth and feature eight napkins, compliments of Model Cleaners. "Table Hosts" will provide place settings of eight including a china plate, cup and saucer and flat wear. Table Hosts will also provide a holiday centerpiece for the table and table favors for each place setting. Additionally, hosts will act as the waiter and waitress for the table.

Captain Winkler continued, "We anticipate that fifty percent of the guests attending this dinner will be children, so we have made special arrangements for Santa to drop in and the Fond du Lac Children's Choir to perform. Additional entertainment will be provided by the Cornerstone Worship Center Ensemble, a children's Christmas Reading from the Fond du Lac Community Theatre, and the Fond du Lac High School Cardinal Singers will perform. It's going to be a wonderful evening creating memories to last a lifetime!"

For more information about the First Annual Community Christmas Dinner, call 923-8220, or to register to host a table, go to ringbells.org. It is the mission of The Salvation Army to meet human needs in God's name without discrimination. To find out how you can help accomplish that mission through donations of time, service and money, individuals are encouraged to call The Salvation Army at 923-8220.