LIMA — The Tom Ahl Family Easter dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Veterans Memorial Civic Center.
This is the 25th year for the annual community Easter dinner, but just the first year the Ahl family is completely in charge. Last year, they tag teamed with the Ellis family who had produced the dinner for 24 consecutive years.
“It’s exciting to serve. We want to be Christ’s arm and we love to use His tools to not only share food, we serve that way, but also share the Gospel. We will be giving tracks out,” said Tom Ahl.
Ahl, his wife Andrea, and daughter Mindi are a little nervous.
“I know my wife is very, very nervous. We are praying everything goes okay. That’s the bottom line,” said Tom Ahl.
Last year’s dinner fed approximately 1,500 people.
“The Ellis’ had it down to an amazing science. We are doing it very similarly to what they did, so we’re trying to duplicate their work,” said Tom.
“We’re not a well-oiled machine yet,” said Mindi.
“But hopefully after this year we’ll feel a lot better about it,” said Tom.
Guests will enjoy a traditional Easter meal of ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drinks such as pop, water, coffee, white milk and chocolate milk. All at no charge.
“Lakeview Farms has been very kind and is donating desserts completely,” said Tom.
The dinner couldn’t go on without the volunteers.
“We have 45 volunteers and that’s our capacity,” said Mindi.
“We have a team of our employees that are going to be working and helping such as Vince and Amy Downing, Randy Mason and Mary Latcha. We also have some coming back from last year and a lot of fresh new faces, so it will be fun,” said Tom. “Some volunteers have worked over 20 years and that helps. I think most everybody that I know of says it’s their way of being a part of and having an appreciation for what Christ did and helping to serve as well.”
Preparations for the dinner started as early as Friday.
“Friday we picked up all the supplies and food. Wrightway Foods has been very helpful as they provide a refrigerator truck. Saturday morning we meet at the Civic Center kitchen and work, cleaning all the dishes and start cutting meat. Then Sunday morning bright and early we’ll be there,” said Tom.
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