PALMERSTON – Students from Norwell District Secondary School’s business leadership class held an “exciting and compelling” community dinner event on Nov. 28.
The event re-launched “a cherished annual tradition” that had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers state in a press release.
The community-driven event was set in motion with the aim of raising money for four local food banks: Palmerston, Harriston, Clifford and Drayton.
“Beyond financial results, the event created warmth and pride, returning a general sense of togetherness to the community,” organizers state.
This year, Norwell’s business leadership students set a goal to raise $1,600, in order to donate $400 to each of the food banks.
Dinner tickets were sold for a low price of $5 in an effort to increase the event’s accessibility. Within a few weeks of its announcement, the dinner was successfully sold out.
With ticket sales and donations at the door, Norwell was able to raise $1,300, enough for a $325 donation to each food bank along with a box of non-perishable food items to help stock their shelves.
The community dinner event, organized and run by Norwell’s Business Leadership class was a “tremendous success,” organizers state.
“Centered on a wonderful evening of community and camaraderie, the event created an opportunity for members of different communities to come together for a great cause,” organizers state. “During the evening members of the school and community congregated no matter the age or demographic to create a sense of home in the Norwell cafeteria.”
Principal Adam Rowden had said, “It was heartwarming to see so many community members come to support our local food banks by participating in the fundraising dinner.
“There was great entertainment and the event was very organized. I appreciate all of the student work that went into creating the event, and the generosity of the community businesses that made donations.”
School officials extended “heartfelt thanks” to sponsors, “the true backbone of the event.”
Sponsors included Full House Farms, which provided the potatoes; Harriston Farm Fresh Poultry Ltd., which donated the chicken; Harriston Foodland, which contributed the vegetables; Palmerston Foodland, which provided apple juice and gravy.
In addition, the Listowel and Palmerston Tim Hortons provided coffee and Blessings To You donated money to purchase all of the remaining food items.
“Thanks are also in order for all of the volunteers that made the night possible, specifically to Bernie H. and Ryder E. for the spectacular performance that night leaving the audience entertained, and to Sonia in the cafeteria for her major role in orchestrating dinner preparations,” organizers state.
The school also thanked the Drayton U11 Rep D team for serving dessert and the food classes for helping to prepare parts of the dinner, as well to the students that volunteered the night of the event.
One noteworthy element of the event was the BYOP (Bring Your Own Plate) concept.
Organizers note the concept originated as “a funny idea,” that became a reality, sparking an environmental initiative.
“This focus of sustainability ensured very little waste was generated,” organizers note.
Apart from the charitable element of the dinner, “this endeavour has furnished leadership students with invaluable expertise in organizing and overseeing extensive events while giving back to the community,” organizers state.
