Turkey & Trimmings Church Dinner: Reservations Now Being Accepted for March 12

No, it isn't Thanksgiving again already.

But turkey and all the trimmings will be on the menu at Fellowship Hall, Holmdel Community Church, 40 Main Street, on March 12 at their Annual Turkey Dinner benefit.  The event is open to all.

Last year, more than 400 guests were served, and volunteers filled nearly 100 requests for take-out orders.   Event planners hope for at least that many this year.

All proceeds from this year’s benefit will go to the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) of the Community Outreach Group of Middletown, Inc.  The fund provides funds for families dealing with temporary financial problems when they face unexpected heating, medical or housing expenses. 

Diners are served family-style with hot platters of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and green beans.  Dessert follows with a selection of home-made pies, cakes, brownies and cookies, coffee or tea. 

Members of the church donate nearly all the food and dedicated teams of volunteers do all of the cooking and baking, serving and clean-up.   This year, Delicious Orchards of Colts Neck will donate apple cider, and Dearborn Farms of Holmdel will offer fresh produce. 

"It's a lot of work," said Lynn Liebenow of Holmdel, this year's  coordinator.  "It's a busy time, especially on the days leading up to the dinner."

A half dozen volunteers use the church kitchen to bake apple pies on the Thursday before the event.  About 16 people prepare all of the stuffing on the Friday before.

"On Saturday, people come to snap the beans," said Liebenow,  "and then there's Don.  He makes the cole slaw," she said.

Don "Slawmeister" Pope uses 25 heads of cabbage, 20 pounds of onions, green peppers, radishes, celery, mayonnaise and a secret blend of spices to create his famous, heavenly slaw. 

"The Holmdel Community Church has been serving a turkey dinner for decades," said volunteer Liz Mueller, of Holmdel. 

"I'm proud to be keeping the tradition alive.  And, I'm especially happy that since most of the food is donated, all of the profits go to help local people in need."

Dinner is served in four seatings: 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 p.m.   Tickets cost $15.00 for adults and $8.00 for children under 12.  Take-out meals are $15.00.

Seating is limited and reservations are necessary.  To order tickets, contact Sharon Wessel at (732) 431-2372 or email: swe456ssel@aol.com.

For more information, contact Lynn Liebenow at (732) 946-8787.