What an incredible night! The Community Health Clinic's annual Dutch Dinner held Saturday, November 9, 2024, was a beautiful celebration of community, commitment, and care—and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the event.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, this year’s dinner was a huge success. The evening was made possible by over 100 volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to plan, prepare, and serve the meal. From the food to the youth choir’s singing, every detail was a result of the hard work and care from individuals who are passionate about our mission and the families we serve.

A Heartfelt Thank You to All Who Made It Possible

We want to offer a special thanks to several key contributors whose support went above and beyond:

The Dutch Dinner Planning Committee: Their dedication and vision helped bring this event to life, creating an unforgettable experience for all involved.
CHC Contact Couple Volunteers: These volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare and serve the meal, ensuring every guest felt welcome and cared for.
Organic Valley (Middlebury): Thank you for providing the delicious appetizers that kicked off the evening!
Miller Poultry (Orland): Your generous donation of chicken made for a hearty and memorable meal.
Patient Family Members: We are deeply grateful to the families who shared their personal stories, offering a heartfelt reminder of the impact our work has on the lives of those we serve.
The Singers: Their beautiful vocal performances added a special touch to the evening’s atmosphere.
Heritage Unlimited: Thank you for crafting the beautiful plaques that recognized our supporters and volunteers.
Special Friends of CHC: Thank you for your craftsmanship of the live auction items.

Coming Together for a Greater Cause

We also want to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers, sponsors (see below), new friends, and familiar faces who came out to support the event. Your involvement in this evening—whether through donations, time, or simply showing up—plays an essential role in helping us continue our mission: to ensure that all children can grow up healthy, happy, and productive.

The Dutch Dinner is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a testament to the strength of our community and the power of working together to make a difference. The funds raised will help sustain the life-changing work of the Community Health Clinic, and we couldn’t do it without you.

Dr. Zineb Ammous, Clinical & Biochemical Geneticist, and the CHC’s Medical Director, gave the evening’s featured presentation titled, “The Cycle of Learning in the Search for a Cure.”

Propionic Acidemia (PA) is a rare genetic disorder affecting Plain and non-Plain families. Affected individuals cannot break down parts of protein and some types of fats due to a non-functioning enzyme resulting in the buildup of harmful substances. These substances can damage vital organs including the heart and the brain. Dr. Zineb Ammous, The Community Health Clinic’s Medical Director, and patient family members shared stories of what they are learning in their work together to ensure earlier diagnoses and better treatments on the journey in search of a cure for PA.

Looking Forward to the Future

As we reflect on the success of this year’s Dutch Dinner, we are filled with gratitude and optimism for the future. Thanks to the support of people like you, we’re able to continue providing essential healthcare services to families in need. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community, and we couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.

Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment to our mission. We look forward to seeing you at future events and continuing to work together to ensure a healthy future for all children.

With heartfelt thanks,
The Community Health Clinic Team

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and ways you can continue to get involved! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.