Community Hospice's Cyl Krocker and Mona Sayre are teaming up for this year's Rigatoni Dinner fundraiser. (Community Hospice)

New Philadelphia, Ohio (WJER) - A popular fundraiser to assist Community Hospice with patient care services will bring people and their appetites together this weekend.  

The 27th-annual rigatoni dinner returns to Central Catholic High School this Saturday from 4 to 7:30 pm. Organizer Mona Sayre says it includes all-you-can-eat rigatoni, meatballs and sausage, a beverage and dessert. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for kids five and younger. 

“It really has become a community event. People want to get out and see their friends and family that they haven’t been able to spend time with in the community, so they come out and do it here,” Sayre says.

Past chair Cyl Krocker will still be involved this year. She says the event is in its 27th year and has raised more than $250,000 to date to for patient care expenses.

“It’s like families that enjoy seeing each other year after year. It’s like a social event. It’s amazing how many people support it every year that are the same people, and the workers that come, our volunteers, they do a fantastic job,” she says. 

Sayre says as part of the fundraiser, they’ll be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win lottery tickets, gift cards and money, along with a 50/ 50 drawing.   

Tickets can be purchased at the door Saturday or in advance at the Truman House and the Dover Browse-and-Buy store. Carryout dinners will also be available.

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