Highlights extra
Fond du Lac Community Christmas Dinner
transfers resources and donations to
Immanuel-Trinity Lutheran Church
The Annual Fond du Lac Community Christmas Dinner, a not-for-profit organization, began serving meals in 2000, taking over a long-standing tradition started by Kosta Voulgaris, past owner of Oasis Restaurant on North Main St. The current organization, a joint venture between the now defunct Memorial Baptist Church and the Cathedral of St. Paul in cooperation with the Fraternal Order of the Eagles (Aerie #270), began serving 75 people and grew to serve well over 500 during its final dinner in 2019, a testament to its growing importance in our community.
2020 was an unprecedented year, marked by the devastating effects of COVID-19. This made our mission of gathering hundreds of attendees impossible while protecting the health of the homebound and volunteers. We understand the disappointment this must have caused the many who volunteered, anticipated a meal, or gathered with us each Christmas. Despite our best efforts, the event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. We pledged to bring this unique event back in the future, but unfortunately, 2021 also saw a cancelation due to safety concerns.
After carefully considering what would be best for our community, we officially ended the Fond du Lac Community Christmas Dinner Organization. We transferred the resources and donations to a group that shared our goals. We chose the Immanuel-Trinity Lutheran Church Thanksgiving Dinner Program in Fond du Lac. This decision was made with the community's best interests at heart, as it will continue the spirit of giving and community involvement that the Annual Fond du Lac Community Christmas Dinner has always stood for. The Volunteer Team members, including Bonnie Burroughs-Bachhuber, Phil Bachhuber, Bruce Fauska, and Louann Fauska, presented a check for $1,600 on Monday, Sept 23, 2024. We thank the Fraternal Order of the Eagles (Aerie #270), Taycheedah Correctional Institute, Sunset on the Lake, and Philly’s on Fourth for continuously being valuable assets. We are deeply grateful for the community's support and understanding during these challenging times. We wish you and others throughout the community, the nation, and the world many joyous Christmases.
Warm hands, Warm hearts. Warm wishes!
The Team Organizers of the,
Fond du Lac Community Christmas Dinner
Michael J. Turk, Roger Funk, Marie Funk, Bonnie Burroughs-Bachhuber, Phil Bachhuber, Bruce Fauska, and Louann Fauska
