The United Way of Garrett County’s Food, Foolishness and Fun pasta dinner held on April 1^st was a great success.  Bob Stephens, one of the coordinators of the event reported that over 370 persons were served pasta dinners and premium desserts by waiters and waitresses dressed as cowboys, pirates, jesters, geisha girls, lifeguards, the Swiss Miss girl and more.  Thirteen different non-profit community agencies participated by selling tickets, serving guests and bussing tables.  The dinner raised over $5,000 for the United Way community campaign and $1,215 that went directly to community agencies through ticket sales and tips.   

The kitchen staff came from Brenda’s Pizzeria and the Four Seasons at the Will’O the Wisp.  All food was donated by community restaurants, grocers and suppliers.  Many of the costumes were provided by Our Town Theatre. 

The United Way of Garrett County raises funds to assist local human service agencies provide programs that improve the quality of life for the community.  Each year agencies provide proposals to United Way for projects that are in need of support in order to achieve their mission.  Some of the projects that requested funding this year include Community Action’s Meals on Wheels and short term medication program, Habitat for Humanity’s home building projects, the Lunch Buddy program provided by Big Brother’s and Big Sisters and health screens through Mt. Laurel Health Center.  Other programs seeking support include volunteer training and support for Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders, disaster assistance and blood drive support through American Red Cross, the summer school program at Salem Children’s Trust and financial support for Mt. Glade Adult Day care participants.

The 2008 campaign goal for United Way of Garrett County is $110,000.  The United Way campaign ends on April 31^st and with the addition of Food, Foolishness and Fun proceeds the total raised is just over $108,000.