CHIMACUM — The Tri-Area Community Thanksgiving dinner drew an estimated 225 people Thursday, filling the community center hall with a large group of happy, hungry people.
Organizer Chris Eagan said that about 70 volunteers helped to serve the meal, which included 60 pounds of turkey, 40 pounds of ham and plenty of stuffing, potatoes and all the other fixings.
Eagan said that 97 meals were delivered to people who could not make it to the community center.
“I think that Thanksgiving is more important that Christmas,” said Nan Toby Tyrell, who has played piano at the dinner every year since arriving in the area in 1991.
“Thanksgiving isn’t materialistic. It’s not about who is rich or poor, but it nurtures souls and stomachs.”
She said she enjoyed playing piano for this group because “music raises spirits.”
Caroline Atkins of Marrowstone Island has attended the dinner for several years with her family and has always wanted to volunteer.
Now that she is old enough — she turned 11 this year — she took her job very seriously as she cleared plates and poured drinks.
“She is finally at an age of responsibility,” said her mother, Rebecca Atkins.
“She has wanted to do this for a long time.”
Midway into the dinner, Pane D’Amour owner Linda Yakush arrived and donated several bags of bread she was unable to sell because of chilly, slushy weather.
There was already enough bread for the dinner, so guests were given as much bread as they wanted to take home.
The dinner was free to all participants, though donations were encouraged.
Brinnon’s community feast served 45 hungry people at the Brinnon Community Center, said organizer Patsy Wells.
“It went real well,” said Wells at about 5:30 p.m. after the meal began at 3 p.m.
“Everybody had a good time, with lots of visiting. When I left, they were playing dominos and doing the picture puzzle.”
Volunteers cooked 40 pounds of turkey and served mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing and string beans with sliced almonds.
Attendees brought a wealth of food — everything from brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes to pies and brownies.
“We had plenty of food,” Wells said.
Most who attended were in their 60s and 70s.
“They’re having a ball down there,” Wells said.
Earlier in the day, the Salal Cafe held a fundraiser, offering a free breakfast while soliciting donations for the Dove House.
Owner Pat Fitzgerald reported that the restaurant served 204 meals and took in $1,990 in donations.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
