Elgin community dinner to feature 'Pasta Gravy Cook-off' Feb. 9

The "Have a Heart Community Dinner & Pasta Gravy Cook-off," hosted by Together We're Elgin, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. It is free event; no tickets or ID are required.

This special community dinner is dedicated to longtime friend Anthony Pedote who passed away 2 years ago. He was the one who created the theme for this dinner as a "pasta gravy" cook-off. In his honor, they invite local businesses and organizations to enter their "award-winning" sauce to be judged by the attendees.

Organizations supply the gravy and Together We're Elgin supply everything else. They ask the entries to bring 2-3 gallons of their gravy (hot if possible) and any marketing collateral you would like to the church at 10 a.m. that day.

Tickets for voting are distributed to everyone who attends the dinner.

Remember, as with all of the dinners, everyone is invited no matter where you are in life. Come on down and enjoy some pasta and make some new friends.

If you and your organization or business are interested in entering the cook-off, email TogetherWereElgin@gmail.com.

Store-bought dessert donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at the church after 9 a.m. the day of the event.

Monetary donations can be made at the event or mailed to Dream Hall, 51 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, c/o Together We're Elgin. Checks should be made payable to Elgin Community Network. Or visit dreamfoodsco.com/get-involved/ and use the "donate" button.

All proceeds will be deposited to the account managed by Elgin Community Network. Together We're Elgin is backed by its fiscal agent Elgin Community Network, a 501(c)3 organization.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/togetherelgin/.