Area residents are invited to join in the luck, and food, of the Irish next week while helping to raise money for a local non-profit organization.

On March 16, The Shepherd’s Inn will host their annual St. Paddy’s Lunch Inn fundraising event. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. that day, residents can take part in a traditional Irish lunch at First Presbyterian Church, located at 119 W. F St., in Elizabethton.

This annual event includes a full lunch of traditional Irish Stew complete with dessert and a drink. The cost of the meal is $7, and all proceeds will go to benefit The Shepherd’s Inn, which is Carter County’s only domestic violence and temporary homeless shelter for women and children.

Those taking part in the meal can choose to dine in at the church. For those who aren’t able to stay for the meal, a team of friendly leprechauns will provide carry-outs and deliveries with advanced reservations. Carry-out meals and deliveries must be reserved by a phone call to 423-542-0180 before 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. Those dining in at the church are not required to make reservations, but calling ahead is suggested to assure seating is available, particularly if dining in a large group.

“We are excited about this year’s Lunch Inn,” said Dr. Paul Gabinet, Executive Director of The Shepherd’s Inn. “Folks come from all over the Tri-Cities to enjoy a great Irish meal and support the work of our community’s only emergency shelter for women and their children from domestic violence settings.”

The event has proved to be a popular fundraiser for the shelter.

“Each year, the numbers grow for the meal and folks are so complimentary about the tasty lunch,” Gabinet said. “For those who are on a lunch schedule, our goal is to serve immediately so they can return to work timely, or deliver two or more meals to the work site.”

The Lunch Inn is prepared by the staff, members of the Board of Directors and Advisers of The Shepherd’s Inn. The fundraiser meal is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church, Pepsi, Bojangles, Big John’s Closeouts, WBEJ Radio, and the Elizabethton Star.