The Annual St. Paddy’s Lunch Inn, a fundraising event benefiting The Shepherd’s Inn Emergency Shelter, will be held Friday, March 20, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton, 19 W. F Street. 

This annual event includes a full lunch of traditional Irish stew complete with dessert and drink. Leprechauns will provide carryouts for those with reserved meals and a “dine in” opportunity is provided without reservations. Also, back by request, meals will be delivered to workplace or home. Phone reservations for carryouts are required before 5 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

The Lunch Inn is prepared by the staff, Board of Directors and Advisers of The Shepherd’s Inn and sponsored by Elizabethton’s First Presbyterian Church, Pepsi, Bo Jangles, Big John’s Closeouts, WBEJ Radio, Save a Lot,   Ingles, Northeast Community Credit Union, Food City,  and the Elizabethton Star.

“We are excited about this year’s Lunch Inn. Folks come from all over the Tri-Cities 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,” said Paul Gabinet, Executive Director of The Shepherd’s Inn. “Each year, the numbers grow for the meal and folks are quick to compliment the tasty lunch. For those who are on a lunch schedule, our goal is to serve immediately so they can return to work timely, or we will deliver two or more meals to the work site.”

Those wishing to get “carryouts” or have meals delivered can reserve their lunches by phoning 542-0180 through Thursday, March 19. Those wishing to dine in are not required to reserve a place however, calling will assure seating.

The Shepherd’s Inn is Elizabethton-Carter County’s only emergency shelter/safe house for women and children from domestic violence settings or otherwise temporarily homeless. The Shepherd’s Inn began operation in 1997.