Little Sisters of the Poor's favorite fundraiser of corned beef and cabbage goes carryout

The late Sister Gertrude honored for helping to launch successful dinners more than a decade ago

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SEEKONK — The Little Sisters of the Poor plan to host their annual St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser at The Old Grist Mill Tavern which will take place on Wednesday, March 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This year the format is carryout.
For more than a decade, The Old Grist Mill Tavern has hosted this annual event for the Little Sisters. Proprietor Greg Esmay and the OGM staff, along with many vendors, volunteers, and benefactors, all contribute to its success in support of the Little Sisters’ mission of serving the elderly in need.
“We are so grateful to Greg for his many years hosting the event for us. Greg’s dedication and that of his entire team is truly remarkable,” said Sister Patricia Mary, Mother Superior at Jeanne Jugan Residence. “It is quite an undertaking in the best sense of the word, a seamless choreography of the OGM staff, plus more than 30 volunteers from Jeanne Jugan Residence and the Navigant Credit Union VForce.”
The 2021 dinner, while a take-out format, will be exactly the same as past years: corned beef and cabbage expertly prepared by the Old Grist Mill Tavern culinary team, along with the traditional accompaniments that guests have come to enjoy, including soup, salad, sides, Irish soda bread and dessert. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. The Little Sisters’ homemade scones will also be available for pre-order and the Pot of Gold has been enhanced to include Irish themed prizes. Download the order form at www.littlesistersofthepoorpawtucket.org.
This year, Esmay and the religious sisters honor the memory of Sister Gertrude, the Little Sister beggar at Jeanne Jugan Residence for more than 30 years, who passed away in December 2020. Sister Gertrude and Esmay launched the event many years ago in an effort to raise funds to replace a broken boiler at the Residence. What began as a small dinner at the Little Sisters of the Poor home, has grown into an all-day affair at the restaurant during which nearly 1,000 dinners are served.
Now that the general public has become accustomed to restaurant take-out, the Sisters and The Old Grist Mill Tavern can carry on their annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition which was canceled last year due to the pandemic.
“We are all very much looking forward to seeing everyone again, so many friendly faces who have supported the Sisters year after year,” said Ray who has worked at the Grist Mill for more than 25 years.
This year the Little Sisters mark 140 years in Rhode Island, their home in Providence founded in 1881.

For ticket prices, to purchase tickets or for additional information, email pwdevelopment@littlesistersofthepoor.org or call Jeanne Jugan Residence at (401) 723-4314. The Old Grist Mill Tavern is located at 390 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk, Mass.