2013 Optimist Oyster and Shrimp Feed – Success!

It all came together several decades ago, a feed just for oyster lovers and a project to raise funds in support of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg’s Youth Programs.  Truly an odd pairing to say the least, but it clicked in the hearts, minds and pallets of members, community leaders and citizens of Gettysburg who every year since continue to gather together not only for their appreciation for the slippery shell-fish but, more importantly, come together in their desire to make a difference in the lives of area youth.  This year the popular Oyster Feed grew to include a new addition to the menu, steamed shrimp, and the community responded with a record turn out and what is sure to become a record fund-raiser.

In addition to the new menu a new venue, the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg, welcomed more than he 236 diners from as far away as Scranton, Lancaster and York with more space and a brighter more sparkling environment.  It created some new and different challenges for the Oyster and Shrimp Team but in the end it was a successful afternoon of good food, great fun and lively social interaction between family and friends.  But even though it may look easy, it is not.  Bringing it off so successfully just didn’t happen, it happened because of the hard work, dedication and commitment of many talented individuals, each focused on achieving a quality experience for all those generous people who showed up in support of the Clubs goals and objectives.

Terrific performing teams come together behind inspiring leadership and the Club followed Wayne Hill and Stacey Green, who for yet another year, pulled out all the stops to organize and lead the Optimist Team through the process of ticket sales, food purchases, site acquisition, cooking and cleaning.  For Wayne, Project Chair since its inception,(“shucking” has become part of his DNA)  he has once again retained the crown as “Oyster King” and Stacy, of Biggerstaff’s Catering, mastered the difficult challenge of teaching the members some reasonable culinary skills.

As members we collectively offer our sincerest appreciation for the attendees, contributors, volunteers  and supporters of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg.   Your continued and overwhelming support provides us the ability to reach out to the youth of our community through more than 19 Youth related programs each year.  We thank you for your kind efforts and invite you to become a member and join with us in making a difference.

For more photos of the event, visit our Facebook page.