Student-organized Pageant Pasta Dinner Jan. 25 to Benefit Family Access Network

Students in Sisters are turning a community supper into direct aid for neighbors in need with the annual Pageant pasta dinner scheduled for Jan. 25 at Sisters Community Church. The student-organized fundraiser will funnel proceeds to the Family Access Network (FAN), the local program that helps families cover basic necessities such as food, housing and utility assistance, and school supplies.

The event centers on a classic spaghetti dinner menu: spaghetti, salad, bread and drinks, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available to accommodate dietary needs. Organizers emphasize that the meal is designed to be accessible and family-friendly so community members can both eat well and give back. Admission details, ticket purchases, and a way to donate remotely are available through the event's Givebutter page.

Community support has made the dinner a reliable micro-fundraiser in past years. Last year’s Pageant pasta dinner raised more than $3,000 for FAN, money that went straight to emergency assistance for local households. That track record is part of what motivates this year’s student volunteers, who see the dinner as an opportunity to combine pageant fundraising traditions with direct community impact.

For residents who follow local service calendars, the dinner offers practical value beyond a hot plate. FAN assistance helps families bridge short-term gaps that can prevent larger crises: groceries for the week, utility bill relief to avoid shutoffs, modest housing supports and school supplies that keep students in classrooms. The dinner’s proceeds will bolster those everyday security nets, making a visible difference for families in Sisters and surrounding areas.

The student-run nature of the event keeps costs low and gives young people hands-on experience in community fundraising, logistics and outreach. Local businesses and volunteers often pitch in with donated ingredients, venue support and help on service shifts, stretching every dollar raised into more direct aid. For many attendees, the event is also a social touchpoint - a chance to reconnect after the holidays, swap local news, and literally pass the sauce while supporting neighbors.

If you plan to attend, consider buying tickets in advance or donating online through the Givebutter page to ensure your contribution reaches FAN even if you can’t make the evening. The Pageant pasta dinner is a reminder that simple, familiar meals can be a powerful community tool - fill a plate, feed a neighbor, and keep local support flowing into the network that helps families stay steady.