The Shepherd’s Inn Safe House/Emergency Shelter will host its annual Spring Lunch Inn 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Farm Bureau, 301 N. Lynn Ave.

The Lunch Inn has been held for 11 years and is one of the major fundraisers for the domestic violence shelter.

This year’s meal will be prepared by Chef Eric Hoglund, past president of the Mountain Empire Culinary Association. Hoglund will prepare grilled chicken quarters, baked beans, pasta salad, drink and dessert. Cost of the meal is $7.

“This is a wonderful lunch and a great way to support the work of the shelter,” Shepherd’s Inn board President Michael Hawkins said. “We have to provide many fundraisers for the shelter. We receive no state or federal funding. All of the operational support comes from our churches, businesses, other friends and fundraisers like the Lunch Inn.”

The Lunch Inn has sold out of meals for the past four years, executive director Paul Gabinet said.

“We count on serving 300 to 400 meals that day,” Gabinet said. “We do sell out, so come early.”

The Shepherd’s Inn will take pre-orders from local businesses and sell individual meals the day of the event. The fundraiser typically brings in about $2,500 for the shelter, which helps keep the operation going, Gabinet said.

“We are in great need of funding,” he said. “The board and community friends like these wonderful sponsors are coming to the rescue. The shelter must do frequent fund raising events to keep our program working.”

The Shepherd’s Inn opened in May 1997 and has provided assistance to more than 1,500 people in need of emergency shelter and a safe house due to of domestic abuse.

Sponsors for the lunch include Farm Bureau of Tennessee, Pepsi, WBEJ, First Baptist Church, Big John’s Closeouts and First Presbyterian Church.