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The annual Swine 'n' Dine at Elim Lutheran Church is seven days earlier this year, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the House of Compassion.
Margaret Wolfe with the Elim Outreach Committee said the decision was made because a Catholic Church event – Francis Fest – was scheduled for the same day.
"So, we moved it up a week," she said.
Francis Fest is set for Oct. 4 at St. Francis Catholic School.
On the Swine 'n' Dine menu this year, Wolfe said people will have pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, chips and various homemade desserts made by women of the church. Live music will be provided by church organist and pianist Josh Grimes.
"This is free will, and we are also accepting canned good donations for our blessing box," she said.
The church has sent special invitations to on-duty Marshalltown Police and Fire Department personnel to get a free meal. Wolfe added the evening House of Compassion on Sunday will be served at Elim Lutheran.
Wolfe acknowledged the first Live On Stage concert, featuring the Lubben Brothers, is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center. However, the three previous years Elim has hosted the fundraising meal, it has proved to be an event which attracts the Marshalltown community.
Last year, Swine 'n' Dine volunteers fed 349 people and raised $2,377; in 2024, 405 meals and $2,790 and; 2023, 275 people, $1,598.
Wolfe recalled the beginning of Swine 'n' Dine. The Outreach Committee was sitting around trying to think of events and activities which would be good for the House of Compassion and also serve as a way for people of the community to come together.
"It just came up while we were talking. We thought this was a good one to do," she said. "We are going to have the meal, rain or shine. If it is raining, we will move it indoors."
EVENT INFO
Name: Swine 'n' Dine
Location: Elim Lutheran Church
Address: 302 W. Church St.
Date: Sunday
Hours: 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.