Table set for annual Christmas feast

WASILLA — Judy Bowers wasn’t short on Christmas spirit Wednesday — but she was short on pie.

“Just, things come up every year,” she said. “This time, it’s desserts.”

Judy and husband Bob Bowers have been hard at work on preparations for the annual Christmas Friendship Dinner, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Planning meetings for the event — which last year drew thousands to the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center — began in October, and will continue past the Christmas holiday meeting, when volunteer leaders meet to review what worked and what didn’t this year. Organizers expect about 4,000 people to turn out for the event this year. The free dinner is open to anyone who shows up.

The dessert shortage wasn’t a make-or-break for the event (organizers have enough turkey, ham, potatoes, carrots, and other food to go ahead) but it is a potential downside, Judy said.

As of Wednesday, however, she was hopeful for a late pie push.

“I told my husband, we’ll just trust in the Lord,” she said.

Kitchen work for the event started at 7 a.m. Wednesday, and will continue in three shifts for 24 hours until Friday morning, when the roast beast is served, Judy said.

The meal also involves a home delivery program for people unable to make the trek into the Menard Center, or unable to perform kitchen prep work in their homes. This year, about 300 meals will be delivered in the Valley, Judy Bowers said.

The most difficult part of organizing the event is the long hours, she said, but the payoff is worth the labor.

The best part is “just what happens, especially on Christmas Day,” she said. “Meeting new friends, and the way needs are met before the dinner.”

The event is always in need of additional volunteers hoping to spread seasonal cheer. Organizers are also sensitive to the motivations that might draw people to dole out a loving spoonful of mashed potatoes.

“There are so many reasons people volunteer,” she said. “For one, we need the help. There are people that may have lost loved ones or family members. That’s kind of a ministry all in itself. We’re really attentive to every volunteer.”

Beyond the immediate needs, organizers are hoping that a new generation of Christmas helpers will carry the tradition forward, Judy said.

“We’re praying for younger people coming in to step into our shoes,” she said. “They (volunteers) just give 110 percent, and we really need for another, younger group to come in so these people can be trained in.”

Numerous volunteers have been with the event longer than a decade, Judy said. Others were approaching two decades.

“We’re getting some, but we really need more to carry the torch,” she said.

Potential volunteers, people wishing to be added to the delivered meals program, and charitable bakers may call 354-6115 or email christmasfriendshipdinner@gmail.com for information on how to help.

Contact reporter Brian O’Connor at 352-2270, brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com, or on Twitter @reporterbriano.