Martin Gorman, owner of Ledo Pizza in Park Plaza, was the busiest guy in the hall; he had the pleasure of preparing dinner for over 500 guests at the annual Spaghetti Dinner.

By Rochelle Karina

On October 16 at Saint Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, over 500 community members got to experience all the joys of an old-fashioned spaghetti dinner, served by local "celebrities." For the cost of their ticket, diners received a full meal, complete with spaghetti and meatballs, salad and bread, plus an evening of entertainment and fun for all ages.

The annual event was conceived 11 years ago by Barbie Willis as a way to bring the community together. All foods are donated by local restaurants, entertainers, cooks and servers volunteer their time and corporate sponsors make up for the rest. Funds raised help support the community center and provide for scholarships for their after school program. This year’s dinner raised just over $6,000 for the center.

Chris Marsala, the center’s Executive Director, says, "It’s a neat way to bring the community together for just one night of food and fellowship."

The list of celebrity servers included the center’s previous two directors, Barbara Birkenheuer and Patt Haun. Other servers included former U.S. Congresswoman Marjorie Holt, and a host of local business owners, politicians, school principals and church pastors.

Martin Gorman of Ledo Pizza and Pasta provided the sauce and, according to Marsala, "He’s our savior in the kitchen."

Dinner donations also included spaghetti by Café Mezzanotte, meatballs by Pedal Pushers, salad by Garry’s Grill and dressing by Café Bretton and Kerri Out Foods. No detail was overlooked in the preparations, Romilo’s Restaurant provided the parmesan cheese and Subway donated the selection of breads, which were buttered thanks to Adams Ribs.

There was even a beer and wine table with beer provided by Dawson’s Liquors and wine thanks to an anonymous donor.

"Where else can you enjoy a spaghetti dinner and watch your kids in the playground while enjoying a glass of wine?" Marsala asked, referring to the play equipment conveniently available outside the hall for families with children.

Other donations came from Girl Scout Troup 2277, Masters Swim Team, RUFit Exercise, Severna Park Bridge Players, SPCC receptionists, SPCC staff, Chip Carr - Coldwell Banker Realtors, Clement Hardware and Franklin Toys. Corporate sponsors were Bay Area Volleyball Academy and ProCare Restoration.

Entertainment was in the form of various bands and performers working in 30- to 45-minute sets, and included The Woods Praise Band, Severna Park Spaghetti Band, the Cruisin’ Quartet, Angelic Voices from Heaven and pianist Melanie Huston.

Many hands make light work in an all-volunteer crew. The Brockett family helped set up and tend the bar, Pete Bishop and his crew tackled set up, decorating was handled by willing friends and family, and Jerry Robinson and crew swept up after everything was over. Helping to organize the event were Anita Sargent, Celebrity Server Chair, and Stan Davis, Entertainment Coordinator.

"The whole event is organized by a committee," said Marsala before concluding, "Servers work in shifts and when the time comes for them to change, many don’t want to leave."

Such is the tone at the annual spaghetti dinner. It’s all about sharing, being a part of the community and having an old-fashioned good time.