St. Vincent de Paul Fundraiser Draws a Crowd

Good food, good company, and a good cause brought nearly 500 people to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's 10th annual Pasta Dinner at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Mundelein on Sunday.

"This has become a tradition at our parish," said Mercedes Engels, secretary of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's conference at St. Mary of the Annunciation. "There's a lot of socialization and it's a real party atmosphere."

Applause and cheers filled the dining hall as cash and door prize winning numbers were called out. And everyone attending were winners as they dined on the pasta donated by Philly G's, of Vernon Hills, and homemade desserts, which were donated by members of the parish.

"We very much appreciate the generosity of Philly G's for donating the dinner, which they have been doing for 10 years," and Engels, who has been a member of SVdP for four years. "This is our main fundraiser and all of the proceeds go back into the community."

St. Vincent de Paul has more than 120 conferences located throughout Cook and Lake counties and more than 2,200 volunteers who bring hope, help and compassion to the most vulnerable in our society.

"Anyone in Lake County that calls St. Vincent de Paul, regardless of religion or ethnicity, if they have a need we will help them," said Engels. "Our members meet with them, and the money from this fundraiser will be used to help those in need with groceries, paying a utility bill, paying rent and much more."

To learn more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, visit www.svdpchicago.org.