A Festive Affair

Country fair raises hope and funds.

By Marie Nowell

What do five goats and a BMW have in common? The Catholic Country Fair of course. Community members came together Saturday night for a fun filled evening at the 12th annual Blessed Damien Catholic Parish Country Fair. The fair is an ongoing fundraiser to benefit the building of a new church.

Parish members have been working towards the goal of raising $1.5 million since 1995. This was the initial estimated cost for the new church, but today that amount has doubled. “Each event is another step towards the goal” said Father Clyde.

“We’re hoping to hold our first service in the new church on Christmas Eve 2011,” said Barbara Helm, one of the event’s organizers. Father Clyde says the church already has architects and engineers from Maui to begin breaking ground in the year 2010.

All ages enjoyed an evening of live entertainment, ono food, items from the country store and a live auction.

Everything from goats to a BWM car was auctioned off to raise money, with items generously donated by parish and community members. Michael and Roberta Mangca walked away with smiles after purchasing a 2001 BMW car, donated by Sean and Josie Connally.

The Blessed Damien Catholic Church would like to send Mahalos to the Parish and the Molokai island community.