When the tables are set and the doors open for the Community Hospice rigatoni dinner on Saturday, Feb. 23, Cyl Krocker and her crew of volunteers will have cooked up about 130 pounds of meatballs, 100 pounds of sausage, 120 pounds of pasta and gallons and gallons of sauce.
Thats fairly normal for this event, the 21st held to benefit the organization, but there are some changes this year.
For one thing, the price has been reduced. Adult tickets are $8 down $2 from previous years; children ages 6 to 12 can eat for $5; and, for the first time, those 5 and younger are free.
The new prices make it family friendly, said Krocker, a New Philadelphia resident.
Another change, Krocker said, is this years all-you-can-eat dinner will include a couple of types of pasta which has led the fundraising committee to change the name of the event to the Italian Pasta Dinner. Salad with Dantes dressing, bread, beverage and dessert also will be served.
Meals will be served from 4 to 8 p.m in Tuscarawas Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School, 777 Third St. NE, New Philadelphia.
One thing I dont think people know is that we have a drop-off at the back door of the school, said Krocker adding that there is plenty of parking in the school lot.
Carryout meals will be available as well as dine-in.
Tickets are available at the door. They can be purchased in advance at the Hospice office at 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, or at the Browse & Buy at 115 Allen Lane SW, New Philadelphia. A $100 lottery tree will be given away at the dinner.
The benefit is a community effort. While volunteers prepare the food, several businesses donate the ingredients or provide them at a reduced price.
Last year the dinner raised about $5,500 to provide care for Community Hospice patients. The organization serves Tuscarawas County residents facing life-limiting illnesses as well as their families.
In addition to skilled nursing care, Hospice provides medical supplies and equipment, therapy, social services, grief counseling and much more.
For more information about the dinner or Hospice services, contact Community Hospice at 330-343-7605.
