Cheering up lonely 'par' for group

by Dave Jackson, Journal correspondent

More than 200 people arrived at Bourbonnais' Grace Community United Methodist Church Thursday, but a sermon was not being preached.

Instead, a local group, known as ''Christmas Golf'' sponsored a dinner for those who would normally be alone at Christmas, said Tom Boyer, the group's chairman.

Those having Christmas dinner at the church were treated to a dinner with all the fixings, including turkey, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, salad, cookies, and cake. Beverages were also served.

''This is the third Christmas we are doing this,'' Boyer said Thursday afternoon while welcoming those arriving for the dinner.

According to Boyer, several members of the local community started this annual event by hosting a golf outing.

''This past year,'' Boyer said, ''we had 85 sponsors and the outing was held at the Elks Club.''

He said the golf outing and other fund-raising has provided the means to allow the local group to support the Christmas dinner.

Boyer said Christmas Golf attempts to get the word about the dinner out to residents through various channels, including advertising, churches, and fliers.

Before the day was done, Boyer estimated that more than 250 meals would be served at the church.

''The theme is not necessarily to approach only those who are needy,'' he said. ''But we also try to reach those who would be alone at Christmas. The idea of reaching those who would otherwise be alone applies to those who come to the dinner, as well as those who come to volunteer.''

Boyer said the group's efforts have begun gaining momentum and looks forward to an expanded program next year.

In addition to the dinner, Boyer said door prizes, which included hams, poinsettias, and fruit baskets, were also an integral part of the dinner.

''We don't want anyone leaving empty-handed,'' he said.

Boyer said Family Video donated several turkeys that were used in the dinner, and that Kraft Foods also made a financial donation to the dinner.

Although the event is at the church, Boyer notes the event is not church-sponsored.

''The church donates the facilities, but this is more of a community event,'' he said.