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VACHERIE — The Good Children Hall has always been a cornerstone of the South Vacherie community, providing space for benefit dinners as well as local health and spiritual initiatives.

Currently, the Good Children Benevolent Association is on a mission to update the Good Children Hall with a new electrical panel, coolers, ceiling tiles, and other renovations that will allow the space to continue serving the community for years to come.

A “Back in the Day” dinner fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 3 at 19515 Highway 643 in South Vacherie. Each plate is $12, and attendees will choose between the following: pork stew, rice, potato salad, peas, and dessert; or chicken or fish, red beans and rice, green salad, and a dessert.

The event will feature a cash bar, music, and an opportunity to reminisce with friends and family. Limited cash plates will be available the day of the event. See any GCBA member for tickets or contact Beverly Dumas at 225-717-3018.

Dumas is also the point of contact for donations of sweets, food items, paper goods, garden seasoning, money, or physical help.

Plans are underway for the Good Children’s annual Car-Truck-Bike Show scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 28 at 19515 Highway 643. Categories include old school classic cars, trucks, corvettes and bikes. Awards will be given for first and second place in each category, along with participant awards/ LOGO T-shirts.

For show information, contact Kirk Bartholomew at 985-414-2103. To inquire about booth rentals available for $75, contact Dr. Gail Brazile at 504-214-5166.

Founded on March 4, 1886, the Good Children Benevolent Association was created to help the sick and bury the dead. Those principles continue to guide the nonprofit organization today. The GCBA assists community members who have fallen ill or been diagnosed with cancer. Members chip in to assist with final expenses when someone has passed away.

According to President Ellis Steib, the Association also supports community youth programs and other local initiatives by offering a meeting space for their functions at no charge or at a discounted rate. The Good Children Benevolent Association currently maintains about 200 members.

Steib served as the GCBA president for 21 years before stepping down for the past five years. He’s taken the reins once again and is determined to help the nonprofit recoup finances following the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members pay dues adjusted to meet their age group, and small contributions come together to create a large impact. However, fundraisers are necessary for the group to meet the needs of the community.

“We were organized to give families that support. It’s laid out to not overwhelm people with money,” Steib said. “Since the virus, it’s been kind of hectic. We’re trying to get started back up with small things to get some money back into the society.”

The Good Children Benevolent Association meets on the first Sunday of each month. Members must reside in St. James Parish.