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03/29/2017 09:30 AMGood food, good music, and fun in the name of a good cause is what the First Congregational Church of Essex promises with its Pasta Dinner and Karaoke Night to raise funds for its “Making a Difference” Award.
The award is granted to a senior at Valley Regional High School (VRHS) who has begun making a difference in some way in their community, whether through volunteering, or working in a way that “lifts people up or affirms others,” according to Reverend Ken Peterkin.
While the award has been in place for the last four years, this is the third year of the pasta dinner fundraiser. The $1,250 award is sponsored by the church’s Justice and Witness Committee.
“We made it an award, and not a scholarship,” said Peterkin, “because we wanted to support students on all educational paths, whether it is college, a vocational school, or something else.
“This is part of a larger, ongoing program to change the focus of the church, to look outward and support the community in many ways,” continued Peterkin. “The applicant pool varies; one year there was only one applicant, but in other years we’ve had four or five.”
Peterkin noted that community knowledge of the award is growing, saying that they already have several applications turned in, earlier than they have in the past.
Students can find the application either in a book of awards printed by VRHS, through the VRHS guidance counselor’s office, or by contacting the church office directly at office@essexucc.org. The application asks questions about both the student’s past achievements and future goals. The application deadline is April 30.
The pasta dinner is the main fundraiser for the Making a Difference award, which has grown from $1,000 to its currently value over the past few years. Sides and desserts are donated by the members of the Justice and Witness Committee, which sponsors the award, while the church’s in-house chef makes pasta with several sauces for the all-you-can-eat affair. In the past about 40 to 50 people have attended the fundraiser. This year, the entertainment will be provided by a professional karaoke DJ who is donating his time to the cause.
“This award has provided the church an opportunity for two things,” said Peterkin. “First, it teaches us to move beyond the borders of the church and become involved with the community. Secondly, it shows people that the church is active, trying to be responsible about serving the community.”
The Pasta Dinner and Karaoke Night will be April 8 at 6 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Essex (6 Methodist Hill). Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 years old; they can be purchased at the door or by calling the church office at 860-767-8097. Those who can’t attend but wish to contribute are encouraged to donate.