With smoked brisket, themed outfits, and a heart full of compassion, Annemarie Welch is proving that giving back can be both fun and fulfilling
For Annemarie Welch, volunteering at The Lighthouse is more than just a way to give back. It’s a way to connect with her community.
Welch, a retired nurse, has been volunteering at the shelter for just over two years.
“I was a nurse, so you know, it’s a caring profession,” she said. “When I finally finished working, I knew I needed to do something with people who need help. I like to do things with people that make a difference.”
Every Thursday morning, Welch spends time in The Lighthouse’s kitchen, followed by an afternoon in the supportive housing section where she runs a cooking group.
This year, she decided to take her passion for cooking even further, hosting two themed fundraising dinners at her home, with all proceeds supporting The Lighthouse.
“In March, I hosted one with a Mexican theme,” she explained. “The guests said, ‘We should do this again,’ so I said, ‘Fine, we’ll do it again in the summer.’”
Last weekend’s Throwback BBQ featured food and music from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, with attendees dressing up in outfits inspired by the decades. Welch’s son smoked beef brisket and pulled pork for the occasion, and guests enjoyed what she described as “food enough to feed an army.”
“Even today, people are still talking about it,” Welch said. “Family members said it was the best brisket they’d ever had. When I hear that, and when people say there was enough to eat and then some, that makes me happy. That’s the goal, feed people and then have them help me help The Lighthouse.”
With about 15 paying guests and additional support from friends who helped serve and set up, the event raised approximately $440. Rather than donating the funds directly, Welch decided to purchase pyjamas for shelter participants after seeing a request on social media.
“We bought 24 sets of pyjamas,” she said. “It felt good to know exactly where that money went and what it would mean to someone in need.”
Welch plans to host these dinners twice a year, one indoor winter event and one outdoor summer gathering. She’s already asking attendees to vote on the next theme, which will be inspired by either Italy, France, or Germany.
For Welch, volunteering and organizing events like these comes down to community.
“As a community, if we can help each other rather than always just looking after ourselves, I think the community can only be better for it,” she said. “If you enjoy people and if you enjoy organizing, I’d say go for it.”
Welch hopes her story will inspire others to get involved, whether it’s by volunteering, donating, or hosting their own creative fundraisers.
“It always warms your heart when you can see that there’s some good in what you do,” she said.