Successful roast beef dinner raises $11,000 for Flower Garden’s Bachert

Photo of cars lined up for blocks to use the drive-thru at the fundraising dinner last Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Julia Nashif.

submitted by Rev’d. Dr. David Williams

Wednesday, March 22nd, the sunrise was glorious and it promised to be a beautiful day. All of the planning for the Benefit for Susie Bachert and the Flower Garden began with turning on ovens and filling them with 210 pounds of English Rump Roasts! The day continued as friends dropped off cakes and then the “beehive” of activity took off at 12 Noon as volunteers arrived to prepared nearly 200 take out containers of desserts, apple sauce, and rolls with butter. Then at three clock the kitchen filled with the next wave of volunteers who cut ups the beef, prepared mashed potatoes and gravy, setup the fellowship hall and the buffet line inside. At four o’clock the Boy Scouts arrived and more volunteers to staff the drive through, clean up pots and pans, and manage the buffet line. Everything was ready at 4:30 p.m. When the the doors opened and the Drive Through started to serve.

The “beehive” of activity resulted in nearly 400 meals being served and over $11,000 being contributed on Wednesday evening alone. What amazing generosity of the Manchester and wider community to support a beloved member of Manchester.

If someone ever wonders, “why do you want to live in a small community?” – here’s the reason! When someone needs help, this community rises to the occasion and meets the need. The “buzz” at Emanuel on Wednesday night and the glow through out the community as word went forth of the success of this endeavor is a credit to the meaning of “love your neighbor!”

When you see Denise Collins, Rose Cousino, Pat Valleincourt, Anne Marie Hanna, Rev’d Peter Harris, and Dr. David Williams, give them a “well done” greeting. They organized, you gave, and now a need has been met!

Thank you Manchester and those who came from around Manchester for making the “Benefit for Susie and The Flower Garden” a success and testament to the kindness of Manchester!

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.