Lafayette Presbyterian Church is one of the most active churches in the area when it comes to offering programming and amenities for the community. Inside this building I have witnessed fencing practices, a winter market, and Boy Scout gatherings (the basement houses a makeshift log cabin). Outside the building I have seen vendors, robots, and food sharing programs set up while children play at the corner playground. A church like Lafayette Pres can be an anchor in a community… especially when you have a person like Drew Ludwig at the helm.
As Drew fights to maintain his congregation, he knows that he must depend on the community that surrounds the church for support. “Everybody wants to keep the big old buildings,” Drew told me. “Nobody wants to pay for them. Well, we are working hard to keep our building up, open, and in good repair - but we need some help.” That’s why Drew has decided to host a fundraiser at Cole’s on Elmwood Avenue (September 26th). “$25 gets you two hours of eating, drinking and entertainment at Coles,” he continued. “AND makes a difference in our neighborhood.”
In this day and age, when costs are up and congregations are down, I am in awe of the people in our community who decide to fight the good fight. Drew understands that the church is an anchor on the block – and we’ve seen what has happened in other parts of the city when the neighborhood loses an anchor.
We recently saw an incredible turnout (at Cole’s) for the waterfront Bark Yard (dog park). It would be nice to see the same level of enthusiasm for another worthy cause. Even if you are not a churchgoer, remember everything that these institutions offer (other than salvation).
Tickets can be purchased by calling 716-886-6635
Cole's | 1104 Elmwood Avenue | Friday, September 26, 2008 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm