OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen
Volunteers of the St. John’s United Church of Christ sold hot dogs every Friday afternoon throughout the summer and fall, dubbed “Dogs on the Avenue,” to fundraise for mission trips.
“It’s been wonderful. The city loves it,” said Kathie Parker, a member of the Church running the event as a volunteer.
Starting in the early summer, with only one Friday afternoon canceled because of poor weather, hot dog sales became part of the weekly routine from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Friday for several volunteers of the Church.
Soups and baked goods for sale were made by members of the Church, and each weekly event was run by volunteers. The fundraiser wrapped up this past Friday.
“It’s a lot of fun. We meet a lot of people,” said Bobbi Deering, one of the members of the Church volunteering on Friday. “We enjoy ourselves, we really do.”
Pictured are Jeannie Gallaway and Sarah Warren of the Boys and Girls Club who walked across the street for lunch on Friday for hot dogs at St. John’s United Church of Christ’s weekly “Dogs on the Avenue” fundraiser.
Parker estimated approximately $5,000 has been raised by the Church this year. “It’s all thanks to the people here in Dunkirk,” Parker said. “They have been marvelous, they support us so well.”
St. John’s United Church of Christ hopes to impact its community in return through several “missions”, as it supports the Rural Ministry, Hospice care, the RO Foundation, Save a Christmas, New Directions, Meals on Wheels, and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County.
Staff members of the Boys and Girls Club often look forward to Friday afternoons for what they playfully call “Glizzy Day.” Executive Director Jeannie Gallaway and Sarah Warren of the Club joined in on the fun on Friday for one last time this year.
While the “Dogs on the Avenue” season is over, St. John’s United Church of Christ is far from finished offering meals to the community to raise funds. The Church has planned an Election Day event on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., located at 733 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, where homemade soups and sandwiches are available for $7, eat-in or take-out. The Church is a designated polling site.
The Church also holds a monthly dinner, at a cost of $13 per person, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.. Dates are set through May, including Nov. 16, Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 26, and May 17. Call (716) 366-0710 for tickets or more information.
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