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SALUDA–The Saluda Community Table, a nonprofit organization that provides a twice-a-month community dinner, has announced the raffle of a handmade quilt to raise funds. The winner of the raffle will be announced by Saluda Mayor Tangie Morgan on Coon Dog Day. 

The Saluda Community Table provides attendees an opportunity to donate what they can for a home-cooked meal which takes place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Saluda Fire Hall. Everything at the dinners is done by the many volunteers who are split into various teams handling different aspects of the dinner, including setup, cooking, and clean up.

The quilt to be raffled was created by Verlie Murphy of Saluda with help from Elaine Hewitt of Landrum. Murphy, a well-known quilter in the area, did the top half and design, while Elaine donated the quilting material and did the long-arm sewing on the quilt. 

“I’ve been quilting for eighteen years on and off, and over the years I’ve donated quilts to various organizations to raise funds,” says Murphy. “Since I used to volunteer with the Saluda Community Table I was glad to offer a quilt for the raffle. I’ve not got much to give, but I’ve got a talent for quilting, and I’ve been able to find ways to use it to give back to the community by donating the quilts I make.”

Wendy Peck, who helped found the Saluda Community Table, talked about where the idea for the organization came from. 

“A group of us got together and began to brainstorm ways to bring a community meal to Saluda,” says Peck. “We came across a model in Rutherfordton. So five years ago, we added some of their ideas and came up with the Community Dinner.”

Co-Chair Charlotte Lovette says she is thankful for the volunteers that make the dinners possible.

“We’ve got wonderful volunteers who are here and happy to serve the community, and we’re so thankful to them and the Saluda Fire Department for letting us use their Hall,” says Lovette. “I’ve met some amazing people doing this.”

Volunteer Elizabeth Hyland of Columbus added, “It’s hospitality at its best, with neighbors gathering around tables for good conversation and a delicious meal that is free of charge or by donation.”

The menu for the May 10th meal featured a picnic theme, which was prepared by one of the rotating cooks, Paula Witt, who along with the other volunteers made hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, and a variety of homemade desserts. The volunteers all wore plaid shirts to celebrate the picnic theme.

The Saluda Community Table also emphasizes going green by asking attendees to bring their own cups, plate and utensils.