Published: April 27, 2008 08:13 pm         

YMCA dinner boasts record crowd again

Her “rookie” status in organizing this year’s 29th annual Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA International Dinner didn’t stop Reginia Thomas from estimating a crowd size Sunday that rivaled last year’s, which was the largest ever.

“The turnout has definitely met our expectations and then some,” the YMCA aquatics health and fitness director declared.

“We definitely have a very, very good crowd. Things have been going really well.” With some quick arithmetic, Thomas multiplied 28 round tables by 10 occupied chairs apiece — in addition to a similar pair of tables on the side — and asserted that the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center conference room “easily” contained 300 people. “It’s definitely a packed house,” she said.

This year’s bonanza of intercontinental flavors featured culinary delights from Africa, China, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Middle East, Nepal and the Philippines. Even Native American fare was available to those in attendance. Several local restaurants — including Cici’s Pizza, Delightfully Yours, Padrino’s of Beaver, Pasquale’s and Texas Steakhouse — were also on hand. “Local restaurants have been very generous about donating food. The community has really pulled together and donated. They have just been wonderful.”

Thomas described her first experience with organizing the dinner as “time-consuming,” with preparations starting back in January when she was promoted to the position of health and fitness director. “I kind of adopted it with my position,” she explained.

Thomas believes that starting the dinner about an hour earlier than usual this year may have helped with attendance. “People were ready to go at 12:15. I think we really got the church crowd here earlier.” The dinner commenced at 12:30 p.m., whereas in years past it has started around 1 or 1:30 p.m., Thomas recalled. This was a first for her, she said, both in terms of organizing the dinner or even attending it.

This year’s dinner was sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, Camp 15410. The event typically draws $6,000 on average for the YMCA.

Proceeds from the dinner serve two purposes. One portion goes toward the Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA’s youth and adult programs. A second allotment is donated to the YMCA International Fund, which helps support YMCAs around the world that are in need.

Thomas put the event in the local YMCA’s top five fundraising events of the year. The biggest by far, she said, is the Friends of Coal Auto Fair. This summer’s fair, taking place July 18-20, will feature legendary country crooner Randy Travis and local country band Taylor Made, Thomas noted.

— E-mail: mhill@register-herald.com