Event organizer Andrew McKinnis, 15, of Fairfield, gives some last-minute direction to volunteers at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Kailey Wackerman, 14, of Fairfield, suits up for the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Allison Bond, 9, of Fairfield, digs into the salad at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
John Harmon of Shelton serves up salad at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Volunteers at work include Wendy Muschett of Fairfield, left, getting an order together for Nikki Kenney of Fairfield at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Edite Weddle, left, and Poppy Bonuomo, both of Fairfield, enjoy dinner at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
A message from a grateful recipient of help on display at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
From left, Lauren DeNisco, Arlene Studer, and Anthony DeNisco, all of Fairfield, enjoy a bite at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Volunteer Anthony Majlak, 12, of Bridgeport, brings dinner to Karrin Smoley of Fairfield and her daughter Avery Hillmann, 7, at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Volunteer Ava Davidson, 15, of Fairfield, takes a pasta order at the 9th annual Deacons' Fund Pasta Dinner at First Church Congregational on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
FAIRFIELD — Good food and good company helped out a good cause Sunday evening when the First Church Congregational hosted its 9th annual Deacons’ Fund Pasta Dinner.
Around 200 people came to enjoy a feast generously donated by Chip’s Restaurant, including salad, sweets and plenty of pasta. Proceeds collected went into the Deacons’ Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides community members faced with any of a variety of sudden emergencies with much-needed help.
This event, which includes the work of some 40 volunteers, is also somewhat unique in that it’s organized by a 15-year-old parishioner.
Andrew McKinnis, a Ludlowe High School sophomore who is considering a career in nonprofit work, sees the value of the fund.
“I see the impact it has in real life,” he said, “and I see what happens to the money we raise,” which can include everything from heating assistance to emergency housing for individuals in need.
“Very few kids could do this,” noted Vern Swett, associate pastor, commending McKinnis’s commitment.
“For whatever reason, he’s take this on himself and he really leads the charge,” he said of McKinnis.
