Good food and a good cause are coming together in Warsaw as the Knights of Columbus prepare for their annual Monster Shrimp Boil.
The popular fundraiser returns Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Warsaw.
Now in its 22nd year, the event features all-you-can-eat shrimp, baked potatoes, garlic toast, coleslaw, drinks, and dessert. Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 at the door.
But the dinner is more than a plate full of shrimp.
Proceeds help the Knights of Columbus Council 8620 support local charities and community organizations throughout the year.
Knights of Columbus member Joseph Gazarek helped start the shrimp boil 22 years ago alongside fellow member John Kuner.
Their first fundraiser benefited the Boonslick Library, which was being converted into the Warsaw's library.
"The very first one we did 22 years ago was for the Boonslick Library," Gazarek recalled. All proceeds from that first dinner went toward the library project. Since then, the fundraiser has grown to support about 10 charitable organizations, including the Salvation Army, local food pantries, cancer-related programs and efforts providing toys for children.
David Grimes, Grand Knight of Council 8620, says preparing for the annual dinner takes several months of planning and support from local businesses. Sponsors receive recognition through advertising, event T-shirts, and displays during the dinner. "We've been doing it for like 22 years, and it takes several months of prep work to get it set up," Grimes said.
Money raised helps organizations such as food pantries in Benton County and Cole Camp, Special Olympics, the Center for Human Services, and Loving Hearts Pregnancy Center in Sedalia.
Grimes, a retired Union Pacific locomotive engineer who moved to Warsaw after a 40-year railroad career, joined the Knights after becoming a member of St. Ann Catholic Church. He's now served as Grand Knight for about 10 years and enjoys helping the organization make a difference.
"I definitely like the work that the Knights do for the community," Grimes said.
What started as a fundraiser for a local library has become a 22-year tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. For the Warsaw Knights of Columbus, that's what makes the annual shrimp boil worth all the work.
