By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – What started as a small group of ladies holding a bridge lunch to raise money for a new church has grown into a community event that attracts more than 100 people annually.

Members at First United Methodist Church in LaPLace recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the church’s fall luncheon with a well attended meal and successful silent auction.

Church member Wanza Lewis said the lunch began in early 2000 as First United Methodist was trying to build a new church in LaPlace.

“We needed the funds to get going and we wanted to involved the entire church community,” Lewis said. “The whole thing started as a social event for the ladies but it has grown into a much larger event that involves all members.”

Lewis said everything served and sold is prepared by ladies of the church and all proceeds go back into the church budget.

Lewis also added that almost all of the ladies who annually prepare the event are 75 or older.

“We are still all extremely energetic,” Lewis said. “We all deeply care about the church and the community.”

Lewis said many local merchants stepped up to bat this year to help with the silent auction. She said donations were understandably smaller, but still greatly appreciated.

“We know it is hard for many of them right now, but they still gave what they could,” Lewis said.