BonnerSprings.com

At 4:30 p.m. Friday, doors opened for the 18th Annual All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner with a line stretching out of the cafeteria, down the hallway and to the entrance doors of the Bonner Springs Christian Church.

That crowd showed no sign of slowing two hours later when organizers and volunteers realized just how successful their event had become.

"Our expenses were paid for before we opened the doors," said Senior Center director Nancy Johnson. "The rest is just gravy for the scholarships. It's just amazing."

Johnson said the event was a "tremendous success" - more than 400 people were served spaghetti and meat sauce, bread and salad. Because the prepaid tickets covered the food expenses, the Senior Center earned enough to provide three $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Bonner Springs High School.

Barbara Burdine, who works for the city of Bonner Springs and helps with Senior Center activities, said she's been attending the dinner for 11 years. Burdine said the dinner has become a community tradition where Bonner residents can come and socialize with neighbors.

"It's lots of good food and it's for a good cause," she said. "You can see people you haven't seen in a long time."

Patty Emnhusen, who attended the dinner, also has ties to the Senior Center that have kept her coming back for the past three years. Her mother, Leola Peterson, is a participant of the center, and both mother and daughter said they attend the dinner to show their support.

This year's food didn't disappoint either. Emnhausen said it was "very good" and makes sure to eat as much as possible. Most of all, however, the community togetherness it what Emnhausen said really makes the event so special.

"It's something you can always say, 'Well we have the spaghetti dinner in August,'" she said. "It gives people the chance to see each other."

Johnson attributes the event's success to several factors coming together. From the weather to the support of Bonner residents, Johnson said this was the largest turnout the center has seen in the last 10 years.

"We feel like the entire community supports us," she said. "And our goal (is) to give back to that community by giving back to graduating seniors."

Most of all, Johnson said she wanted to thank all the volunteers who helped make the dinner possible. She said this year's event ran smoothly and efficiently, with no accidents, because of the dedication and hard work of community volunteers of all ages.

Winnie Vitt was one of those volunteers. She spent the evening passing out bread as hungry guests passed her in the food line.

"Nancy does so much for us," Vitt said. "I just like to help wherever I can."

Vitt's husband, Bill Vitt, who is now deceased, was a teacher at BSHS, so Vitt said she knows first hand how much scholarships can mean to students. She said she was proud to be working for such a cause.

"Everything depends on the younger generation since we're not going to be around forever," she said. "For the community to get together and see all these people here supporting that is something to be proud of for everyone."

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