By Arabella Saunders, Features Editor
The Chris Jennings Memorial Dinner Fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Max’s Pizza Company in Kitty Hawk. Proceeds will be donated to the family of First Flight alumna Jessica Jennings and junior Leslie Jennings.
“We hope to not only raise enough money to give support to the family, but for them to see that their whole community is there for them and that we will always come out to support them,” junior Emma Bancroft said.
After losing her father to pancreatic cancer earlier this month, Leslie Jennings has found comfort in her community. This fundraiser is one of many ways in which others have reached out to help her and her family.
“The community has supported us by basically ensuring us that we don’t have to worry, that we have so many people that love us and will give us a helping hand if we need it,” Leslie said. “Max’s employees are taking care of me and providing my family with an opportunity to not have to worry about financial stress as we cope with the loss of not just my dad, but my mom’s best friend.”
At $10 per ticket, the dinner will consist of a spaghetti meal, side salad, garlic bread and fountain drink. To better prepare for a larger crowd, Max’s owner Natalya Sharp has encouraged attendees to purchase their tickets ahead of time.
“I hope we will have a good turnout. We live in very small community and help each other as much as we can. It’s one of the examples where we can come together and help a local family,” Sharp said. “Buying tickets ahead (of time) will help us better prepare for this fundraiser.”
Tickets can be purchased at Max’s Pizza Company up until Sunday, Jan. 29. Juniors Emma Bancroft, Lauren Kerlin and Arabella Saunders will also be selling tickets at school through Feb. 1. While purchasing a ticket ahead of time is recommended, walk-ins will be welcome as well.
Max’s Pizza is located at 3723 N. Croatan Highway. Find out more about Max’s at their Facebook page by clicking this link.
Junior Arabella Saunders can be reached at saundersas0214@daretolearn.org.
