BY TRACY LEE TATE
Times Staff Writer
LAKE BUTLER — For more than 35 years, the Lake Butler Women’s Club has hosted a special Valentine’s Day luncheon as its major fundraising function.
Over the years, attendance has increased and the event has become one of the major community social events in Union County. The members of the club prepare the buffet-style meal, each starting a day or more ahead to prepare their signature side dishes, salads and desserts. The club uses its funds to provide the main dishes while the members donate their contributions to the meal.
This year, about 130 people paid for meals, about 20% of which were take-out orders. Club members offered limited free delivery for orders of five or more take-out meals. Those choosing to eat at the historic club building were treated to a buffet which featured baked ham, pulled pork and all the usual sides.
Diners took the opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbors and the eat-in advantage of unlimited return trips to the buffet. They were also on hand to bid in the clubs first silent auction, which offered a wide selection of items for all ages and tastes. Most of the items were provided by club members for the event.
At the end of the day the club had raised about $2,000. The money will be used for many of the clubs community service projects and towards the ongoing restoration of the clubhouse.
