Mother’s Day Buffet returns to Lincoln and benefits United Way of Logan County

[May 21, 2019]   LINCOLN - This Year on Mother’s day a lost tradition in Lincoln returned in a new version. The annual Mother’s Day Buffet was hosted by the United Way of Logan County at the Oasis Senior Center.

The buffet for several years was held at Lincoln College as a fundraiser for the Lincoln Rotary. A few years ago, the Rotary gave up the fundraiser. This year, United Way Administrator Patty Becker took advantage of that favorite past event and revamped it into a fundraiser for United Way of Logan County.

While the location was different, there were a few familiar names involved. In the past it was the late Chef Warren Wendlandt who led the food service for Lincoln College. This year it was once again Lincoln College providing the meal with a Chef Kurt Wendlandt at the helm.

Inside the Oasis on Sunday it was clear that many in the community had taken note of the revival of the buffet and gathered together in groups both large and small to enjoy a meal with mom, or just to enjoy a meal as a supporter of United Way.

Patty Becker (left)

Either way, Becker was all smiles as she welcomed guests and collected dollars for her organization.

Guests had the choice of sitting in the large dining room area on the west end of the Oasis building or there were several tables set for eating in the front community room area. Guests filled all the seats available in both rooms and enjoyed a great meal.

The buffet included chicken, Roast Beef or ham sliced and served as guests passed through the line. Green beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy were among the side dish options. Salads included leafy greens with a number of toppings to self-serve as well as pasta salads, fruit and some sweet treats such as chocolate pudding and cookie fluff.

A second dessert table was set up with a selection of pie, cake, cupcakes, or cookies for all to enjoy.

The proceeds from the Mother’s Day Buffet will go to assist the United Way in funding grants to local organizations. Each year the United Way provides funding to such worthy organizations as Community Action Senior Nutrition, Girls on the Run, the Oasis, Salvation Army Keest Center and many more. Many of the dollars raised for these worthy organizations come to the United Way through optional payroll deduction with area employers.

One thing many may not know is even if you don’t work in Lincoln or Logan County, you can still support the local United Way with your payroll contribution. To do so, when you sign up for your annual deduction, you can designate that you want your money to go to Logan County.

The United Way of Logan County has one paid employee. Everyone else involved with the organization including its board of directors are volunteers.

The money raised in Logan County stays in Logan County and the vast majority of the money goes toward funding grant awards to worthy organizations. To learn more about how you can support United Way contact Patty Becker at 217-735-4499.

[Nila Smith]