12/13/2019
Well, the rumors are true. The Dells-Delton Community Suppers are suspending for 2020. Below you will find a copy of an article that has been submitted to the Dells Events that outlines the reasons for this suspension.
We want to thank everyone who had a part as planner, prep crew, clean up crew or participator for seven years of fun. Be sure to let us know if you are interested in helping in 2021.
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This will be the last Dells-Delton Community Supper (DDCS) article in the Wisconsin Dells Events for a few months because our planning committee has decided that we will not offer DDCS in the year 2020. The reason we have suspended DDCS for 2020 is due to lack of regular volunteers on our steering committee and in lead positions. More details at the end of this letter
The DDCS has provided a free monthly meal and activities starting in 2013. Finances are provided by Dells community businesses and some freewill donations at the Suppers. The bulk of the income gets paid to Dells area caterers. We also invite unpaid individuals called “Community Partners” (CP’s) who set up booths that provide opportunities for supper guests to be informed on community services.
From the beginning, we set a precedence to provide the suppers for only ten months – January to October. We ended 2019 on a “high” with inviting Michael Perry sharing his interesting stories after the September supper. This was spearheaded by Char Riley. Thank you Char!
The October DDCS sponsors were WCCU Credit Union, American Family Insurance, and Walgreens. The caterer was Uno Pizzeria & Grill. The theme was “All Creatures Great and Small”. The Community Partners were Kids Korner, Sauk County Humane Society, SSM Cardiac Rehab, and SSM Audiology. Our own Dan Soma engaged young and old with his familiar “Dells style” singing and playing that is enjoyed on the Dells boat rides.
For the last seven years we have filled the titles of Sponsors, Caterers, Community Partners, Entertainers, Servers, Dishwashers, Set-up people, and Take-down people. Our DDCS committee held a volunteer appreciation dinner on Tuesday, December 3rd at Monks at the Wilderness.
As I look back on these seven years, I can say that we have had more “highs” than disappointments. Yet there are some good reasons why we are not offering DDCS in 2020. Each DDCS serves upwards of 130 meals. The work for the whole event – from setup to take-down - starts at 4 pm and ends at 7 pm, but much planning work happens before each Supper. We tend to find that some workers promise to come and don’t follow through.
Another downside is that volunteers occasionally need time off for health reasons. Also these volunteers are leaders in other organizations and have other obligations in the community and on the evening of DDCS so there has to be at least one back-up person for every position.
If anyone has the time and interest in becoming a volunteer, or have suggestions for new formats, please call 608-254-2669 (my home phone number) or e-mail [email protected]. Based on the response, we will call the present committee together in 2020 and determine how to proceed.
Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
John Torgerson
