I am delighted to announce that the Episcopal Churchwomen of Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchez will host our annual fundraiser, a bridge-luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Kuehnle Hall at the church, 305 S. Commerce St.

The ECW is hoping for another big crowd, and as of today, it looks like we’ll have one. There is a great deal of enthusiasm for this event, as was the case from the beginning.

When we were searching for a fundraiser in 2009, we came up with the idea of inviting members of the church and friends of the church, both men and women, to the parish hall for a delicious lunch followed by an afternoon of bridge. The tax-deductible donation was $25 per person, the same as today.

That first year, we had hoped for six or eight tables and wound up with many more than that. We found out, just as we suspected, a lot of Natchez-area people love to eat good food, and a lot love to play bridge.

For those who can’t spend the afternoon away from work, and for those who don’t play bridge, we offer lunch only. We always have tables of people supporting the fundraiser and enjoying just the meal.

Last year, we enlarged the number of tables by using other rooms at the parish house, and this year we’ll enlarge even more if we need to.

The theme this year is Valentine’s Day, with lots of red hearts decorating the tables.

The menu includes a chicken/artichoke/rice dish with a salad of fresh greens, strawberries and nuts, hot rolls and some of the best homemade desserts in the South.

The funds raised by the bridge-luncheon will allow the ECW to continue its numerous outreach programs. These include several important Natchez-area activities, such as Trinity Episcopal Day School, The Stewpot, the Sunshine Shelter, Pleasant Acre Day School and Angel Tree.

The ECW also uses the money to support Diocesan and national Episcopal activities, such as the Church Periodical Club. The CPC supplies Bibles, hymnals and other printed materials to churches in need.

Working with me on the bridge luncheon are many ECW volunteers, including those who are registering people for the event. They are Kit Parker, 601-442-2294, and Mary Ann Jones, 601-442-6633. Others helping are some of the best cooks and prettiest waitresses in town.

They include Pam Harriss, Elaine Gemmell, Gayle Henry, Cyndy Bailey, Patsy Armstrong, Stephanie Punches, Phebe Winters, Kit Parker, Martha Raji and Carla Johnson, who is president of our ECW. Also assisting are Carolyn Vance Smith, Trippy Shields and Father Walton Jones, our church’s new rector.

Adding to the festivities will be a large number of irresistible door prizes donated by our community’s generous restaurants and shops.

We invite you to get a table of four and join us.

Please register the end of the day today so we can be ready for you.

Thanks go to all who support the important outreach work of Trinity Church’s ECW. We are pleased to be able to continue this fundraising effort. It generates the means for us to help many, many people.

Pat Dickens is the fundraising committee chair of Episcopal Churchwomen of Trinity Episcopal Church.