Heritage Soul Food Gala

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church (MMBC) had its second “Soul Food Gala” on February 26, 2015 at the River Park Community Center on 11th Street North. It fostered a feeling of togetherness, food, family, friends and fun with an evening of entertainment by the Youth Choir of Macedonia and Tenor, James McDuffy of Fort Myers.

Those in attendance were treated to food prepared by Ms. Catherine Bulger and Ms. Alma Williams of Macedonia. They served barbecue ribs, turkey, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn, green beans, rolls and cornbread, and Ms. Irene Williams’ collard greens.

Ms. Irene Williams helped to chair the event along with Mayor John Sorey, Reverend Lonnie Mills, Harold Weeks, and Lodge McKee.

Reverend Irvin Stallworth was the “MC” for the evening and Councilman Bill Barnett was the auctioneer extraordinaire of this extravaganza.

The live auction was so successful that a bid to the Swanson Winery in California sold for $2,500 and another for the same price was offered and accepted. In addition, two Spiritual Concert and Old Fashion Fish Fry tickets sponsored by MMBC for 50 people sold for $1,000 each.

According to the Finance Secretary, Tangie Burns, the evening brought in an estimated $20,000 before expenses. All monies raised will be used for the Building Fund only. Last year enough money was raised to replace all the windows inside the church and two new bathroom doors were installed.

This year the members are planning to purchase a new front door for the church, windows for the annex, and to decorate the windows installed inside last year.

Two other projects in the works will be installing new carpet and pews.

Macedonia is so grateful to the Naples community for their support of the Gala. Next year’s Gala is already being planned and we look forward to seeing you at this great event.

If you have any questions, please contact Voncile Whitaker at 239.262.4877, or 239.641.5069 or email mmbc@bapt1003.comcastbiz.net.