Boys & Girls Aid By CATHY LOFFINK
Our signature event has evolved over the years At this writing“ The Dinner” was still a few weeks away. I can tell you that it is nearly sold out and, therefore, will prove to
LOFFINK be more than likely another fun and profitable fundraising event. For a bit of insight, with the help of longtime member Dianne McMichael, here is how it all began.
In 2003 a wonderful woman named Candace Riding moved to Charbonneau. Although not on the club’ s board of directors she
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attended a board meeting. What she presented was truly a gift. She told members that she knew how to put on a crab and rib dinner for 200 people. When she asked if they would be interested in her doing just that, the quick response was“ Heck yeah.” In her wisdom, Dianne asked Candace if she could shadow her every move so that she could learn how to put on the event and Dianne was extremely grateful she agreed. That first year all available tickets were sold, the auction brought in $ 5,000 and the inaugural Crab and Rib Dinner was a big hit.
Interestingly no caterer was involved. Candace had a contact at the beach for fresh crab and knew a man who was willing to make the ribs on the Charbonneau Country Club BBQ. She also had a contact at Reser’ s for salads. Candace did it for one more year and moved to Seattle. Now it was Dianne’ s turn
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to put this event on. For the next six or seven years Dianne’ s husband and a friend would drive to the beach the Saturday morning of the event and procure 250 pounds of crab. As for the ribs, the decision was made to purchase them. After several taste tests at various places, they settled on a place that delivered the delicious ribs for several years thereafter.
The Dinner sold out every year except for 2024; however it was not always easy to do that. As the dinner drew nearer in year two, the Cypress Auxiliary Board found it had nine more tickets to sell. The president at the time made a last-ditch effort. Summoning her courage, she went on French Prairie Road. She began crying and motioning traffic to stop. Who would not stop for a little old lady crying in the road? Well, she sold the tickets. That truly was a testament to her dedication for the
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cause.
Over the years changes took place, including the location. It is now known as“ The Dinner” and the auctions make upwards of $ 10,000. Back at home at the Charbonneau Country Club for this year, the hope is to continue the success story that showcases the generosity of our community in its support of the Boys & Girls Aid and the fabulous work It does to ensure every child can experience joy and stability in life.
Want to have some good old-fashioned fun? Join the Boys & Girls Aid Cypress Auxiliary for an afternoon of Bingo on Friday, April 18 from 1:30-3 p. m. in the Clubhouse Dining Room. Everyone is welcome. All proceeds are donated to Boys & Girls Aid. The cost is $ 10 for two cards and $ 20 for five cards. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Sign up at the Activity Center front desk.
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