All dolled up at Faith

Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center

Dolled up for a luncheon

To pull off a successful fundraiser, an organization needs an efficient leader. Someone willing to pull it altogether, utilizing hard-working volunteers, assigning work and overseeing the process long before the day and making the hard decisions necessary for success.

In the case of Faith Lutheran Church's case, Carol Johnson fits that bill.

On Wednesday, June 13, Carol and her loyal volunteer base famously accomplished the 29th Salad Luncheon for their church, filling the dining area of the Dodge Center building with tasty salads, desserts, quilts and dolls.

Carol Johnson and her sister, Janet Johnson,
 stand by "Carol"the doll from their childhoods.

Yes, dolls.

While people waited in line to buy their tickets not only were they free to peruse the quilts, hot pads, coasters and other handmade goodies, there were over 20 different dolls displayed. Oohs and aahs and some chuckles were heard as the stories of shared toys of childhood.

"We decided to have a theme for the luncheon, so this year was dolls," explained Carol. "Luncheon volunteers brought in a doll and with some embellishments (toy high chairs, stools, tables, etc.) we sat them up for people to look at. The last couple years we had hats and aprons - everyone has a story about the selected theme."

The best story probably was the two dolls connected to Carol. The one she brought was hers growing up, dating back to 1952. There attached to her was a note to onlookers, that "if I look a little tarnished, so does my owner." The other, was a gift from her sister and sat in a little high chair and shared the story of when Carol was born. Her older sister, Janet Johnson (no, they didn't marry brothers!), hoped she would get a little sister to play with, so when she got her little sister, Janet named her doll, 'Carol'.

Once past the dolls and handmade items, a person hit the dining room, which had a 25-foot buffet filled with a multitude of vegetable, seafood, jello, chicken, tuna, shrimp, crab, pickled salads so vast the only complaint on the day was the fact that there wasn't a big enough plate to try them all. Being selective meant leaving a delicious option behind, but no one complained. In fact, there were separate plates for desserts, meaning you could pick up a few of those and not mess up any salad space. And if you forgot your drink or couldn't carry it because of all the food you snatched up, it was brought to your table with refills gladly offered.

So many beautiful dolls conjured up tales of
childhoods past.

There was a line of 40 people when 11 a.m. starting time rolled around and 11:15 it swelled to over 70. On the day close to 250 people from surrounding towns such as Owatonna, Pine Island, Hayfield, Kasson and others had got their splendid fill of homespun specialities.

There were at least 24 different salads, deviled eggs, buttered buns: my favorite was the wild rice chicken salad, but the two broccoli salads with a variety of nuts were mighty close. And, there was a salad with shrimp so small I didn't notice it until I was eating it and trying to figure out ingredients. That was yummy, too.

"You've never had nuts in a broccoli salad?" the satisfied visitor next to me said. "That's a staple around here." So I guess you can add another staple to either the Lutherans or Scandinavians - or both. "These desserts are to die for," she continued. "It's a shame you have to wash them down with coffee." The desserts were the most moist concoctions I've tasted this year.

Karen Ingvaldson and Breanna Simmons manned the
money table.

One thing I hadn't noticed yet in my church social visits was the use of paper plates - which is a smart idea that saves time. There's no worry that they weren't strong enough, these were top of the line plates. With the simple, elegant table decoration of small carnations in a vase, the dining area was very inviting.

It's easy to see how things flowed easily for the volunteers. Not only are they seasoned at serving and working at Faith Lutheran Church functions, Carol knows her stuff. As a licensed food manager, she is adamant on food servers using plastic gloves and pleasing the customers. That's not hard, because it appears in all their natures to be polite and welcoming.

Proceeds for the luncheon in the past have gone to purchasing a new stove, tables and chairs and other vital equipment needs and repairs, as well as donating to the youth for trips and special occasions. Faith Lutheran Church added a significant building addition in 2009, and its beauty is not only apparent when driving into the parking lot, but entering the building with the spectacular stained-glass entrance doors and solemn but respectful sanctuary, chapel, music, library, dining areas. The church congregation itself is quite young compared to many, starting in 1943.

Perusing through their women's aid news since inception, it is evident the church is proud of its service to God, the parish and community. And they have had wonderful, imaginative church fundraisers over the years including the newest this spring, when ladies of the parish chose a theme to decorate a table. From there, they put together inspirational and fun ideas and had to sell off each setting - usually a table for eight. Then they were served a meal for the night. There were 18 such themed tables. With that kind of creativeness, one figures out how there can be that many different, but delectable salads at one function!

Karen Ingvaldson is another long-time volunteer of the church and appeared to be training in the next generation of worshipers at her cashier's table in Breanna Simmons. Ever humble, Karen recalls many functions over the years and is glad the new church has a bigger dining area. In the fall, she also helps out with he Meatballs and Ham Supper the first Wednesday in November. The salad luncheon at one time was the Soup and Pie Luncheon and back if the early 1980s, lunch could be had for $2.50. It still is reasonable for the $6 price tag today.

My favorite was the Scandinavian Fling they had for many years, where the leftover potatoes wasn't a negative, just an opportunity to make more lefse! "There's not too many leftovers from the luncheon, but if there is we have a leftover night the following Thursday where church members or members of the community can come in and finish them off free." Carol and friends whips up some ham sandwiches to go along with the leftovers and in that hour, food disappears at warp speed. What a great idea!

Each of the service group leaders are responsible in getting its members to donate items to fundraising events. It's more difficult nowadays with busy schedules but as much as technology should help with the onset of cell phones and e-mails, many people have trouble contributing time anyway. And don't kid yourself, the men of the church also play a big role in all the fundraisers.

 "We have such a great loyal core bunch who enthusiastically and diligently work to get participation.," said Carol. "We are very proud of the effort and results."

And that they should be.


Colorful Fiesta Salad - made by Kristi Faber

This is good fresh, or overnite it's even better; makes a lot but can be used for chips, baked potato or as a wrap with chicken!

3 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans corn, rinsed and drained
2 cans diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained
1 each chopped up: green, yellow, red peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion (vandalia if possible)
3/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Mix together, set aside

the secret dressing -

2 cloves minced garlic
3 TBSP lemon or lime juice
3 TBSP white vinegar
3TBSP rice (Asian) vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp cumin
(can also have 1 tsp crushed red pepper to add more pep)

Mix these ingredients and pour and mix into vegetables.

Best part Kristi said, is it's only 130 calories a cup!

Let me know of any church socials you would like me to attend by emailing me through my blog.

Next up: Moland Lutheran Church Strawberry Festival, Sunday June 24. Someone's gotta do it!