Kiwanis Go All Out at Fish and Chips Dinner

People came into Chatham High School Tuesday night ready to eat fish and chips and to contribute to a good cause. What they didn't necessarily know is how well they'd be taken care of.

At the Kiwanis Club of the Chathams's 34th annual fish and chips fundraising dinner, club members escorted guests to their tables inside the school's cafeteria while others made sure each person's cup was filled to the brim with water. Still others, such as Borough Mayor Nelson Vaughan and former borough mayor Dick Plambeck, took people's orders (guests could request either fish or chicken, which were both fried in canola oil), brought them their food and eventually hustled chocolate chip and macadamia cookies to tables for dessert.

"The turnout has been very nice," said Kiwanis Club member Karen Swartz, who ushered people to their tables throughout the event. "We've been very happy to see so many members of the community coming in and forging a sense of togetherness."

The event was intended to support the club, which donates money to groups such as the Chatham High School Key Club, the Chatham Middle School Builders' Clubs and St. Patrick's and Circle K Clubs of Drew University.

Members of each of those groups were on hand to help serve the food, which was cooked in the cafeteria by employees of the Argyle Restaurant in Kearny (fish and chips is the establishment's signature dish).

Swartz said the event helps foster the Kiwanis mission.

"You want people to know that Kiwanis is a wonderful organization that focuses on developing a community service mentality," Swartz said.

The club also hosts a fundraising pasta dinner in October.