Nearly 200 partake in Church Women United luncheon in Cape Girardeau

The local Church Women United organization put on its 41st Annual Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Sale and Luncheon Friday in the Centenary United Methodist Church Family Life Center. The women's group served approximately 195 people carry-out and sit-down lunches.

The luncheon is a fundraiser for Church Women United's vocational scholarship.

In the kitchen, event organizer Dolly Jewel said chicken pasta salad has been the entree every year. She said the custom started at the first luncheon, and has been carried on in memory of Joy Johnston, a founding member, to whom the recipe belonged.

Outside the kitchen, baked goods, potted plants and fresh vegetables blanketed folding tables set up between the entrance and the dining area.

Joan Sebaugh, member of Church Women United, said she grew some of the of alligator tears for sale.

"These are succulent plants -- meaning they don't take much water and like a lot of sun," she said. "Some people call them mother of millions." A pair of hibiscus sat to the right of the alligator tears. Atop the larger of the two tropical plants perched an inch-long green praying mantis.

"I guess he goes with the plant," she said.

Sitting at another table piled with fresh vegetables, Vera Koen, 30-year veteran of Church Women United, said the busiest times during the day are opening and lunch.

"People wait at the door [before opening] for the bargains," she said.

Plates of chicken pasta salad were handed out via a window into the kitchen. Warm rolls, apple butter and sweet breads waited on round tables with seven seats; desserts were laid out on a table in the corner.

Mary Belle Dohogne, a Cape Girardeau native, ate next to Tillie Boswell. They are both from St. Mary's graduating class of 1942.

'I've been almost every year," said Boswell. "I've bought cookies and cakes and enjoy the delicious rolls."

Dohogne said the lunch was her first time coming to the Church Women United fundraiser, and she brought part of her quilting circle for company.

"It was very nice, and the organization is funding a worthy cause."

The Teen Challenge Choir provided entertainment for the beginning of the luncheon, then helped serve drinks and clear plates. Zachary McClain, a member of the choir from Indianapolis, said the group was asked to help because the event was short handed.

"There is no better joy than coming out and singing to sweet old ladies," he said.

Pertinent address:

300 N. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, MO