SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Voting and giving back came together at Our Lady of Pompeii Church’s annual spaghetti supper, where Jason Royal and Kathy Zabinski share a commitment to their community despite being at different stages of their voting lives.
The church hosted its 77th annual spaghetti supper to raise money for charities like CNY Diaper Bank and Mary’s Closet. Parents of students and community members prepare everything from scratch, serving spaghetti, homemade sauce, salad, and large meatballs.
Royal has volunteered at the church for years and once attended its school. During supper, he helps guests and keeps the dining area clean.
“ I would help the other customers. I would take out their trash, and I would help guide them and clean the dishes as well,” he said.
The supper ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests gathered to enjoy live music, catch up with friends, and share a meal. Although the motto is “Leave the politics at the door,” elected officials and candidates still attend.
For Justin Royal, a volunteer at the dinner, seeing his community and candidates come together has encouraged him to participate in his first election. He plans to go to his polling site after his volunteer shift.
“I would love to because my vote matters, and I think I could make a difference as well,” Royal said
The supper draws candidates who stop to mingle and pose for photos. But for Zabinski, the event is about good food and supporting her community.
“It’s a mad dash. All the candidates come in, eat, and leave,” Zabinski said.
Zabinski has voted consistently since she was 18. Each year, she combines that civic duty with support for local charities through the supper.
She said being informed about the issues and propositions on the ballot helps her make her voice heard.
“I wanna make sure I vote, make sure I have the issues down or the propositions down so I can vote on them. That way, if there’s a problem, I will voice my opinion. That’s my biggest thing,” she said.
Video Transcript
For 77 years, this spaghetti supper has brought people together over food and a shared interest in voting.
“Well, the biggest motivation is the way the world is going right now. I disagree with a lot of things, so that’s why I make sure I vote every year. ’Cause if you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to complain, in my opinion.”
With food made from scratch and live performances — the fundraiser supports local charities while highlighting the importance of voting.
“’Cause my vote matters. I can make a little difference as well.”
The supper takes a team effort — including work that sometimes goes unnoticed.
“All the candidates come and eat and leave. Well, I don’t need that. So I come in and talk to the people.”
For those who return each year — the supper is more than a routine. It’s a tradition that continues to unite the community.
For N-C-C News, I’m Zoe Williams.