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Bethany Lutheran Hosts Italian Cook-off April 15 to benefit Summer Feeding Program

 

Whether preparing blessing bags or boxes of food, the church family at Bethany Lutheran of Boone is always looking out for those in need

By Sherrie Norris

Bethany Lutheran Church of Boone is hosting an Italian Food Cook-off, a benefit for the Summer Feeding Program in the Green Valley School Community.

The cook-off is scheduled for Sunday, April 15, from 12- 2 p.m. in the church fellowship hall and is open to the public.

According to church pastor, Laura Weant, the event is just one way of bringing the church and community together for greater good, and one that will help area families through the upcoming summer.

Boxes of food are prepared each summer by Bethany Lutheran and other area churches for families of children in the Green Valley School district who might experience hunger or food insecurity.

The Italian-themed cook-off will feature favorite Italian main dishes or desserts (of any origin) to be entered into competition for the People’s Choice Award.

In addition to the main dish/dessert for competition, those who wish to attend are asked to bring a salad and/or other side dish and drink, which will not be judged, but enjoyed along with the entrees.

According to Weant, the cook-off serves as the church’s largest fundraiser for its largest community outreach.

As part of a community-wide effort with other area churches, Bethany Lutheran helped provide food boxes on four different occasions for 21 local families during summer break in 2017.

Bethany was in charge of shopping and packing boxes for 11 families, with Blackburn’s Chapel providing 10. Bethany delivered seven of the 11, assisted by Proffitt’s Grove Baptist Church, which delivered the other four.

At last year’s fundraising event, Bethany raised over $2,000 for the summer project. In addition to contributions from other Green Valley area churches, the summer meal needs for Green Valley school children and their families were completely met, Weant said.

Weant hopes that her church fundraiser will at least meet or exceed the amount raised last year to help local families who will be experiencing hunger or food insecurity during the upcoming summer.

All donations will be greatly appreciated.

Bethany Lutheran Church is located at 1030 Big Hill Road in Boone.