The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Hundreds volunteer for Day of Service
Deepwood residents among beneficiaries with tailgate party presented by St. Gabriel Church
The saying that it is more blessed to give than to receive holds true for volunteers who take part in the tailgate party in St. Gabriel school gym.
The event is thrown for Deepwood residents and is among the Concord Township-based parish’s activities on the annual Community Day of Service, held Nov. 3.
About 70 guests attended the party this year, enjoying food, fellowship, games, crafts, music, dancing and getting their photos taken with the “Hollywood” backdrop so they could be stars
for a day. Participants autographed their own photos and some asked others to sign them.
“They’ve got a lot of love for each other,” said volunteer Danielle Milam, who organized the Ohio State-themed tailgate party.
She and her family have helped run the event since it began six years ago.
“It’s probably the best day of the year,” she said. “It’s very gratifying. They are so carefree. It kind of takes you back to when life was simpler. This community of people is just so happy together.
“I’m not kidding, it’s better than Christmas Day. I think we get out of it more than they do.”
Guest Michael Leske, 42, of Willowick, was all smiles as he got his photo taken and mingled.
“I look forward to being here with all my wonderful friends and letting them meet other new friends,” he said.
“I love the food, music and pictures.
St. Gabe’s has a longstanding partnership with Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/ Deepwood, and the tailgate party is a fan favorite, said Lynnmarie Landwei-Phillips, Lake County DD public relations and professional services director.
“The volunteers from St. Gabe’s empower individuals with disabilities by engaging in these special projects that enrich their lives and include them in our community,” she said.
More than 530 parishioners volunteered for the Day of Service, visiting more than 70 facilities to help with maintenance, yard work and other service
Planning for the Day of Service begins in June. It got its start when Pope Francis issued a call to serve.
projects. Recipients include WomenSafe, Project Hope and Altercare. Projects also involve leafraking for private homes of the elderly and physically disabled.
“A lot of the leaf-raking projects were postponed just because the leaves haven’t fallen yet,” said parish Communications Coordinator Alicia Henrikson. “This tailgate party they’ve learned to keep inside.”
Planning for the Day of Service begins in June. It got its start when Pope Francis issued a call to serve.
“We heard about other churches doing similar events, so we wanted to try it,” said Volunteer Coordinator Allison Capella. “Our hope is that people are inspired to continue to serve throughout the year in their own ways and possibly develop relationships, especially with the elderly and home-bound we serve.”
Since it began, more than 4,000 volunteers have taken part.
The day culminates when all participants reunite for Mass and dinner.
“If we are serious about ‘Being Christ every day, everywhere’ — and I believe we are — then service has to be at the heart of who we are,” said Father Fred Pausche.
“This is St. Gabriel parish at its finest.”