Van Orsdel "Fun" Raiser for new boiler set for Aug. 28

Havre's Van Orsdel United Methodist Church will have a "Fun" Raiser Pig Roast Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for two new boilers to help heat the church through winter.

Church Secretary Edna Gregory, part of the organizing committee for the event along with Judy Jones and Chris Vincent, said two of the church's four boilers that make up its heating system need to be replaced due to age and the estimated cost is around $20,000.

"We have been told that we would have heat in the fall and in the spring, but we would not have adequate warmth in the dead of Montana winters," Gregory said.

Gregory said not only can Montana winters be uncomfortable, but the cold can result in pipes freezing up, leading to damage of homes and people simply can't survive with their heat being up where it needs to be.

"But this is just a matter where we do need to replace it and we feel like we will be able to do it," she added.

The event will be at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church at 410 Fifth Ave. in the church's fellowship hall. There will be live music and a barbecue sauce competition. Gregory said the contest has five or six entries so far.

The barbecue is being provided by Bullhook BBQ's Bob Molitor. A flyer for the event says the menu includes pulled pork, buns which Gregory said are provided by Grateful Bread, sauce, coleslaw, baked beans, along with homemade pie and ice cream.

Drink options include iced tea, lemonade and coffee.

The price for adults and children in sixth grade or up is $12. The price for children between kindergarten and fifth grade is $5. Younger children are free. Extra pie is $4.

People interested can also call 406-265-4232 or 406-399-3076 for takeout or delivery orders.

Gregory said COVID-19 regulations would be followed as much as possible, mentioning distancing and that hand sanitizer would be available.

Gregory and pastor Sue King said even though the "Fun" Raiser has yet to take place, the church has already started receiving donations.

"It makes your heart feel good to know that the people are supporting you," Gregory said.

"I think it just means that the church and what it does in the community means a lot to people. You know who your friends are when you're going through a bit of a rough spot, your friends come through, and one of the things that I'm observing is that this church, the community means a lot to people," King said. "People come up to me and ask, 'So, who do I write a check out to?,' and stuff like that. So I know that behind the scenes, beyond the fundraiser, there are individuals who are stepping up and doing a quiet, good thing.

King applauded Gregory for all she does for the church.

"She really is very aware of everything that's going on. And she's just always been a great organizer. She had a small business of her own. She has a great capacity for multitasking and we have all been blessed by that in our church," King said.

Gregory praised her fellow committee members for helping with the event, saying no one of them could pull the event off alone.

"It makes you smile when you see people say, 'I will bring pies, I will come and work.' Just having everyone willingly participate is a really great feeling," Gregory said. "You're touching base, you're coming in contact with and you're getting in touch and finding out how they're doing as well. There's nothing like working together with a common goal to give you a good feeling," she added.

Gregory added that a "Fun" Raiser has been held three times previously, usually in May as a kickoff to summer, but said the event couldn't be held last year due to the pandemic.

"I feel like it will be as successful as the others simply because we've got a good product. We enjoy getting together. We enjoy working together on this and seeing all the people that come in. ... It's a community event and it' a good time to visit and relax and catch up with people," Gregory said.