IF YOU GO...
- What: Ash Wednesday Baked Potato Supper
- When: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22
- Where: St. John's United Church of Christ, 1724 14th St., Monroe
- Tickets: $7 for adults; $4 for children, age 4 to 10; and children 3 and under eat free. Carryouts and drive-thru service available.
MONROE - Alison Phillips' grocery list might leave the faint-of-heart trembling: 480 Idaho potatoes, 28 pounds of butter, seven industrial-sized cans of cheese sauce, 16 pounds of sour cream, 24 pounds of bacon, 30 pounds of broccoli, 350 cups of fruit salad, 1 gallon of pickle spears, 120 feet of French bread, 48 hot dogs (and buns), two bags of chips, 12 gallons of lemonade, and 12 gallons of milk (six white and six chocolate.)
But Phillips didn't bat an eye as she finished her list: She's done it before as she prepares for the annual Ash Wednesday Baked Potato supper. This year's supper is set for Wednesday, Feb. 22 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1724 14th St.
Serving will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with carry-outs and drive-through service available. The supper is open to the public. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-10. There is no charge for children under age 3.
"This is our yearly fundraiser," Phillips said, "with proceeds going to St. John's Senior High Youth Fellowship Summer Work Trip."
Phillips, who serves as adviser to the group, will lead a group of 12 high school students, to Cortez, Colo., in June where they will join up with the national organization Youthworks and work with a kids club, the Salvation Army and assist in home construction for families needing assistance. The group will travel by van to Colorado accompanied by Phillips and Jason and Jasmine Leopold. They will be gone one week.
But before the trip can happen, the group must raise funds to cover their travel expenses. The potato supper is one of many the group has organized.
As daunting as Phillips' shopping list was, it paled in comparison to planning the yearly event.
Actual food preparation begins the day before when 10 adult volunteers scrub and wrap the potatoes, slice the bread and chop the broccoli. Later that day, the high-schoolers arrive and complete the prep work. But before that even happens, Phillips and the group complete work schedules, deal with set-up and clean-up and organize ticket sales.
"Day of, the ovens are turned on at 9 a.m.," Phillips said. "We fill the ovens three times during the day so we can be ready by 4 p.m."
On the menu are baked potato that come with any or all of the toppings offered: butter, bacon, cheese, broccoli and sour. There's also fruit salad, bread and dessert. A beverage is also included for those dining at the church.
Carryouts are also available as well as pre-orders. Pre-orders can be made by calling the church at 325-2165. Special lines will be set up for carryouts and pre-orders to pick up their food. "The only difference between carryouts and pre-orders is beverage will not be included," Phillips said.
And for those not wanting a baked potato, hot dogs and chips will be available.
The dinner will precede the annual Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. at the church. Tickets for the dinner are available from the high school youth, parents or at the door.
But Phillips didn't bat an eye as she finished her list: She's done it before as she prepares for the annual Ash Wednesday Baked Potato supper. This year's supper is set for Wednesday, Feb. 22 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1724 14th St.
Serving will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with carry-outs and drive-through service available. The supper is open to the public. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-10. There is no charge for children under age 3.
"This is our yearly fundraiser," Phillips said, "with proceeds going to St. John's Senior High Youth Fellowship Summer Work Trip."
Phillips, who serves as adviser to the group, will lead a group of 12 high school students, to Cortez, Colo., in June where they will join up with the national organization Youthworks and work with a kids club, the Salvation Army and assist in home construction for families needing assistance. The group will travel by van to Colorado accompanied by Phillips and Jason and Jasmine Leopold. They will be gone one week.
But before the trip can happen, the group must raise funds to cover their travel expenses. The potato supper is one of many the group has organized.
As daunting as Phillips' shopping list was, it paled in comparison to planning the yearly event.
Actual food preparation begins the day before when 10 adult volunteers scrub and wrap the potatoes, slice the bread and chop the broccoli. Later that day, the high-schoolers arrive and complete the prep work. But before that even happens, Phillips and the group complete work schedules, deal with set-up and clean-up and organize ticket sales.
"Day of, the ovens are turned on at 9 a.m.," Phillips said. "We fill the ovens three times during the day so we can be ready by 4 p.m."
On the menu are baked potato that come with any or all of the toppings offered: butter, bacon, cheese, broccoli and sour. There's also fruit salad, bread and dessert. A beverage is also included for those dining at the church.
Carryouts are also available as well as pre-orders. Pre-orders can be made by calling the church at 325-2165. Special lines will be set up for carryouts and pre-orders to pick up their food. "The only difference between carryouts and pre-orders is beverage will not be included," Phillips said.
And for those not wanting a baked potato, hot dogs and chips will be available.
The dinner will precede the annual Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. at the church. Tickets for the dinner are available from the high school youth, parents or at the door.