News

Robin Hood meal brings riches

By Heather Chrudimsky
Compass Correspondent

A gymnasium, complete with fluorescent lights, hardwood floors and bleachers, isn't the customary setting for a gourmet dinner.

But add 500 candles and 10,000 Christmas lights, linens and lavish china and things change quickly.

For the past eight years, members of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Green Bay have transformed their gym into an elegant setting for a gourmet dinner. The result is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together people from all walks of life and rivals formal restaurants for miles around, said Dcn. Mike Vincent, dinner co-organizer.

"This is an event like no other," Dcn. Vincent said. "This evening is special because it brings together many parts of our community."

The event was started eight years ago by four friends and parishioners who loved to cook - Rob Foytik, Steve Roznowski, Lee Nagel and Dcn. Vincent - as a fund-raiser for an elevator for the church.

As years have passed, the dinner has become paramount in helping Ss. Peter and Paul Parish continue its outreach programs.

This ostentatious event, which stretches out for almost five hours, gives the 200 guests an enjoyable evening and in the end raises more than $10,000 to help continue outreach programs that Ss. Peter and Paul supports every year.

And, Dcn. Vincent said, not only could other parishes do the same, he is willing to help other parishes stage similar events.

"Internally, we refer to it as the Robin Hood Dinner - taking from the rich who can afford the $100-a plate dinner - and give to the poor through outreach programs," Dcn, Vincent said.

Many of the products used for the dinner were donated by area businesses and residents, Dcn. Vincent said, so most of the money raised through the dinner is profit for the parish and its programs.

The event can only be described as an unusually enjoyable eating experience, with each piece creating a memorable night for all those involved, Dcn. Vincent said.

When guests arrived they were greeted by Tom and Sue Mahoney, dinner hosts, and introduced in old-fashion military style giving each guest a moment of respect as they entered the dining room.

Some guests arrived early just to see who is introduced and how they are dressed, Dcn. Vincent said.

"Usually four to five groups of guests go all out and get dressed up in formal attire," Dcn. Vincent said. Other guests are dressed semi-formally.

Guests are treated to a 12-course Victorian-style dinner, complete with silver candle holders and crystal lily bowls to tulip-modeled chocolate cups and caviar bar.

All the gourmet recipes are created by Dcn. Vincent, Foytik, Roznowski and Nagel.

"It is definitely something that you don't see regularly," Dcn. Vincent said.

Dinner guests were entertained by dancers with sparklers, strolling violinists, guitarists and saxophonists.

The more than 150 volunteers were an integral part of making the dinner a success, Dcn. Vincent said. The 44 waiters served each guest in the historic French-style complete with silver plate covers.

The 20 kitchen volunteers were essential because of the amount of hands-on work involved with gourmet cooking.

The 22 table hostesses - one for each table - made sure each guest had everything they needed or wanted.

"We jokingly say it is better than a cruise ship, we have practically one-to-one service," Dcn. Vincent said.

The plating crew of 12 was on hand to make sure everything on the guests' plates was arranged correctly and displayed a sense of elegance.

Bp. David Zubik's mother, Susan, was scheduled to attend, but she died before the event. An angel with yellow roses - her favorite flower - was on display in the back of the dining area in her honor, Dcn. Vincent said. Both Bp. Zubik, and his father, Stanley, attended the dinner, which the bishop opened with a prayer.

Planning is under way for the next dinner on Jan. 28, 2007. The menu will include a lobster salad including a full lobster tail, a crab salad and grilled shrimp. Next year's dinner is already sold out and there's a waiting list, Dcn. Vincent said.