Their international president complimented club members as "people who are willing to get our hands dirty … and then go out and make a difference."
And this Saturday, several hundred such people will be at Lancaster's Long's Park doing a lot of both things.
As has happened the third Saturday of every May in Lancaster since 1953, the Lancaster Sertoma Club this weekend is gearing up to host its annual daylong "world's largest chicken barbecue."
Cost for dinners is $8 in advance at Turkey Hill Minit markets or from any Sertoma Club member and $9 Saturday at the park along Harrisburg Pike near Park City shopping center.
The barbecue, which typically draws thousands, runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Club members and volunteers, several hundred strong, will be preparing more than 30,000 complete chicken dinners, for both eating in the park and taking home.
"We've heard about this for years, and we're glad to be able to finally get here" for the chicken barbecue, Julie Hejtmanek, president of Sertoma International, said during a talk to some 110 regional club members Wednesday.
Hejtmanek, of Topeka, Kan., definitely plans to stick around Lancaster for the event, and she said she plans to get her hands dirty helping out.
The Sertoma Club donates more than 80 percent of its profits from the barbecue to the beautification and upkeep of Long's Park.
In 2009, the organization donated more than $100,000 to the park, while also funding youth-oriented and other charities.
Among the others that benefit are the Naturalization Day luncheons for new U.S. citizens.
The Sertoma Club has contributed more than $2 million to community causes since its inception, chapter officials estimate.
On Saturday, hundreds will help before, during and after the barbecue.
"And there's just no way the event would be possible without all their help," Lancaster chapter president Janel Widdowson said Wednesday at Meadia Heights Golf Club, where Hejtmanek spoke.
The barbecue is held rain or shine, but the early forecast is looking nice for Saturday, with clear skies and a high of around 70 degrees.
For more information on the barbecue or the Sertoma Club — the club name stands for "Service to Mankind" — visit www.lancastersertoma.org.
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