Grace’s Kitchen celebrated its fourth anniversary on Tuesday — just a week late, but in “fabulous” style.
A total of 154 guests enjoyed prime rib dinner prepared under the direction of chef and founder Selby Davis.
“We were given a large donation by a former LeRoyan who wanted us to use some of it for a fabulous meal,” Davis said.
The menu also included “Grace’s Great Green Salad,” baked potatoes and chocolate souffle cake with whipped cream and raspberries.
Grace’s Kitchen serves a free “community dinner” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Masonic Community Center, 12 Bank St. It is sponsored by the Le Roy Christian Community Project, and supported by donations and volunteers.
There is no charge for dinner, but free-will offerings are welcomed.
Tuesday’s special prime rib dinner had been planned for Feb. 16, but was postponed because of a snowstorm.
Grace’s Kitchen was launched on Valentine’s Day 2012 — and it’s been a “work in progress” ever since, Davis said.
Clientele shrank after Grace’s Kitchen moved from its original location at Le Roy United Methodist Church to the Masonic Community Center. But eight months later, attendance is picking up again.
“We’ve served varying numbers, predominantly seniors,” Davis said. “We do a consistent number of deliveries within the village, and continue to be blessed with a stellar group of loyal volunteers.”
Davis stressed that Grace’s Kitchen welcomes the entire community — “no matter what need we may be addressing.”
“Some guests are financially grateful we are here, and others are happy for the company and friendships they have made,” she said.
Davis said there seems to be a common perception that Grace’s Kitchen exists to feed a “destitute” population. That’s not at all true, she said: Showing up for dinner, does not mean you’re taking food away from someone else.
“I assure you that we always have enough, if not an overflow,” Davis said.
Tuesday’s dinner was made a little extra special, with help from third-graders from Wolcott Street School. Betsy Overacker’s students visited earlier in the day to help set tables, drop off cards they made to accompany deliveries, and to share placemats decorated by the entire grade level. Other classes will visit on one Tuesday of each month remaining in the school year.
Top photo: Volunteers Debbie Lathan and Sue Lints serve up a meal at Grace's Kitchen.
Photos by Howard Owens.
