For six years now the residents of Mechelen, Belgium (near Antwerp) have been filling themselves and a hall in Mechelen to near capacity while enjoying pasta and supporting ICC.

Sponsored by ICC Belgium and a host of dedicated volunteers, this annual spaghetti festival, most recently held this past November, has become an important and increasingly successful fundraising endeavor for ICC Belgium.

ICC Belgium’s star cook Wim Dewindt and his assistant, José Coszack served as chefs preparing pasta and sauces on both a Saturday evening and a Sunday afternoon to satisfy the hungry hoards. They were aided in the kitchen by the charming Anja and Louiza from the local neighborhood committee.

This fundraiser is very much a family affair. Ronny Van Dessel, ICC Belgium’s president, manned the booking counter where he was assisted by his nieces, Nikki and Lynn. Ronny’s mother Mia, his sister, Ingrid and the chef’s wife Carmen, acted as food servers. The assistant chef is also Ronny’s brother-in-law. The duties of waiter were filled by volunteers Mario, Kristof and Frank, former president of ICC Belgium.

An integral part of this annual festival is the offering of hand-made items for sale. The proceeds from the sale of these items also support ICC. As this event takes place just before Christmas, many of the hand-crafted objects feature a Christmas theme.

Objects created by Denise were sold as well as hand-made bracelets by Carmen (the chef’s wife). Also available were ICC’s gift and note cards featuring drawings of ICC children by ICC USA intern Meaghan as well as Christmas tree ornaments effaced with the ICC logo. Volunteers Francine and Jeannine did a magnificent job of ensuring these items were once again a huge success.

Donations of special gift items from local businesses were offered to the guests, who for a small donation, could participate in a prize drawing. Prizes included fruit baskets and other items from local businesses as well as parcels of cosmetics donated by loyal ICC sponsor Joseph Van Den Bosch of the international cosmetics company Shiseido.

Inspired by this most recent spaghetti festival, Huguette Couppé, herself organized one week later a spaghetti dinner for twenty-two which she held in her own home in West Flanders. Huguette also offered some of the ICC items for sale.

Proceeds from this most recent spaghetti feed, between the funds raised in both Mechelen and West Flanders, came to €2,300.00 Euros or $3,100 dollars!

Thanks to all our amazing volunteers and staff from ICC Belgium for once again doing such a wonderful job of supporting “His Kids!” Thanks also to volunteer Francine Vandenbogaerde for gathering and providing all the pertinent information about this special event.

So where will you be next fall when the noodles begin to boil?

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