A local emergency shelter for women and children is inviting the community to take part in a special “Lunch” of the Irish to help them raise funds to continue their service.
The Shepherd’s Inn Emergency Shelter for Woman and their Children is hosting the “St. Paddy’s Lunch Inn” on Friday, March 17, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 119 W. F St., in Elizabethton. The cost of the meal is $6 per person.
This event includes a full lunch of traditional Irish stew, complete with dessert and a drink. According to Shepherd’s Inn Executive Director Paul Gabinet, Leprechauns will provide carry-outs for those with reserved meals and a “dine in” opportunity is provided for those without reservations. Also, meals can be delivered to local businesses by reservation.
In years past, the Shepherd’s Inn hosted the St. Paddy’s Lunch Inn as an annual event, but it has been several years since the lunch was held.
“We haven’t done it in five years,” Gabinet said. “We had people who said they really enjoyed it. So, now it’s back by popular demand.”
The Board of Directors and Advisers of The Shepherd’s Inn prepare the meal, which is being sponsored by First Presbyterian Church.
“They church has been really nice to allow us to use everything,” Gabinet said.
Other sponsors for the event include the Elizabethton Star, WBEJ Radio, Pepsi, First Baptist Church, Bojangles, and Big John’s Closeouts.
“We are excited about this year’s Lunch Inn,” Gabinet said. “Folks from all over the Tri-Cities come to enjoy a great Irish Meal and support the work of our community’s only emergency shelter for women and their children from domestic violence settings.”
New for the event this year will be a delivery service. Gabinet said volunteers will deliver meals to area businesses at a previously arranged time by reservation.
“It is our hope that more businesses will take advantage of our lunch delivery… all they need to do is call us with a time and number of meals at $6 each,” Gabinet said. “Also, those who are on a lunch schedule and want to come to First Presbyterian Church, there will be no wait time for your meal. Our goal is to serve immediately so they can return to work timely.”
Those wishing to get “carry-outs” and businesses wanting meals delivered can reserve their lunches by phoning 542-0180 through Wednesday, March 15th. Those wishing to dine in are not required to reserve a place, however, calling ahead will assure prompt seating.
“If there are several coming to dine in, it helps if they call ahead so we can reserve them a table,” Gabinet said.
Anyone interested in helping to volunteer for the event is asked to call Paul Gabinet at 423-542-4445.