Spaghetti fundraiser to benefit North County Food Bank

This article originally appeared in several local news publications, including the North Coast Citizen, Tillamook County Pioneer and Daily Astorian.

MANZANITA – For the second time in less than a month, the Big Wave Café will host a fundraising dinner for a local nonprofit organization.

On the heels of its Library Lovers Dinner, a benefit for the North Tillamook County Library Friends, the Big Wave will host a spaghetti dinner with proceeds benefitting the North County Food Bank on Feb. 17.

Imie Camelli (Photo courtesy of the Tillamook County Futures Council)
Imie Camelli (Photo courtesy of the Tillamook County Futures Council)

“We do our best to make sure no one goes hungry,” said Imie Camelli, president of the food bank, which is located in the Nehalem Bay Health District building in Wheeler.

“Even though the recession is officially over, there are a lot of people at risk of going hungry in the community,” said Brian Williams, who, with his wife Carol, owns the Big Wave Café. “The food bank fills a crucial gap, and we are honored to help its volunteers continue their mission.”

In recent years, the Big Wave has hosted dinners on behalf of a number of local nonprofit organizations, including the Pine Grove Community Club, Rinehart Clinic and Manzanita Business Alliance.

The North County Food Bank serves much of north Tillamook County, including the Nehalem Bay area. “The closest food pantry to them is in Garibaldi, at God’s Lighthouse, so they serve quite a large part of north county,” said Melissa Carlson-Swanson, Tillamook County Oregon Food Bank branch services manager.

Brian Williams
Brian Williams

The food bank plans to use the proceeds to purchase more food to give to the local hungry. The operation is entirely volunteer-run.

Part of the Oregon Food Bank system, the North County Food Bank receives food from both the Oregon Food Bank and local donors. However, “We have to buy an awful lot of our food these days,” said Camelli.

As for Williams’ generosity, Camelli said, “He’s doing it again. He’s wonderful. He’s a big asset to the community.”

The dinner is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 at the Big Wave Cafe. Tickets, which will be available at the door, will cost $15 each. In addition to all-you-can-eat spaghetti, the dinner will feature garlic bread, salad and dessert.

The North County Food Bank is open 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays. Donations can be dropped off noon-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays. For more information, call (503) 358-7724.