Feeling a little crabby that summer is almost over?
Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc. might be able to help with its annual fundraiser, which this year will have a new theme — its “2015 Crab Feast … and So Much More!”
The event will be held on Friday, Sept. 25 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Lenola Firehouse, 229 N. Lenola Road. For $90 a ticket, the evening will boast a delicious menu, a “crab” auction as well as a DJ to entertain.
“It will be a causal, relaxed event where hopefully our supporters can have fun and at the same time help out MEND,” Stephanie Blackwell, corporate development officer, said.
MEND is a private, nonprofit corporation that develops, builds, owns and manages affordable rental housing in South Jersey. Established in 1969, MEND owns 725 apartments in 29 locations in eight towns in the region. Two hundred and fifty of these apartments are at 20 locations in Moorestown.
MEND’s now 46-year-old mission is to maintain and expand the supply of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who cannot afford market-rate rental housing.
“MEND is a local and regional leader in affordable rental housing. We help people who live within our community and further. With us, it allows people to have a safe, decent and an affordable place to call home sweet home,” Blackwell said.
For more than 30 years, MEND has hosted an annual fundraiser to help keep the apartment rents below market levels.
At “Crab Feast… and So Much More!” there will be musical entertainment, a photo booth, a “crab” auction and, of course, food and drink.
Musical entertainment will be provided by a DJ playing a variety of music from the 50s to today.
For the auction, items all have a crab theme and are valued from $100 to $150, and sometimes more. The auction will work like a Chinese auction with raffle tickets.
The complete “crabby” menu from Georgetti’s will offer attendees a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts, including some “from the land.” Examples include crab cakes, clams casino, spring chicken, roast top round beef, rigatoni, cannolis and cheesecake.
The annual event sells out quickly.
“I hope people come out, enjoy themselves and have a great time. But more importantly, know they made an important contribution to our mission, and by doing so, they end up helping a lot of people,” Blackwell said.
If you cannot attend the event but would like to support MEND, donations in any amount are welcomed. Additionally, sponsorships are available.
Further details can be found at www.mendinc.org/mends-annual-gala-2015/ or by calling the offices at (856) 722–7070 ext. 19.
