October 2, 2009
Jonah Fish Fry
Proceeds go to various charitable groups in Greene County
Frank Marcotte and Chuck Burns take a break before the beginning of the Jonah Fish Fry in the Knights of Columbus building in Linton last Friday night. (Message photo by Mary Ann Hughes) Click for a larger version.
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
A few years ago, Chuck Burns was looking for a fund raiser to help charitable groups in Greene County. He’s a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6679 and a parishioner at St. Peter Church in Linton.
He suggested that his fellow Knights work together on a fish fry and that all the proceeds go to a variety of area organizations, such as St. Peter’s parish youth group, the Linton junior class prom, the Linton Pregnancy Care Center and Holy Name’s Catholic Scripture study.
In all, 10 groups now receive funds from the fish fry. “We don’t make any money on this,” he said. “We try to reach out and touch all of Greene County.” Over the years, the goal has been to have at least one organization included from Dugger, Jasonville, Switz City, Linton and Bloomfield.
Last Friday night, the Knights held their annual Jonah Fish Fry, and fed about 900 people, including about 300 carry-out orders.
Chuck’s wife, Cathy, headed up the efforts for desserts. She said her volunteers brought in “44 pies and seven sheet cakes.”
Members from each of the organizations were responsible for selling tickets to the dinner which cost $7. Of that $7, $4 went to the organization.
Burns said that since 2004, the Knights have donated $12,046 to the organizations. He does not yet have information about the 2009 profits.