The Douglas Ministries Association invites the Douglas community to join them in their annual Progressive Dinner, to be held as the tradition states the last Friday of January, which will take place this Friday, January 27 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the “Church Square” between 10th and 11th Streets and D and E Avenues.

As expressed by the Progressive Dinner’s event Roe Peters this event not only provides a great night out for socializing, a chance to win a door prize and the opportunity to enjoy great food, but also it helps keep the House of Hope, the Douglas’ Shelter for battered women and children in operation.

“The old facility has been replaced with a lovely new building which also has transitional suites, a wonderful playground, homely accommodations to include a dining room, living and socializing area,” Peters said.

Event sponsors are the Douglas Ministries Association, consisting of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, La Salette Catholic Mission, First Baptist Church, Grace Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church and recently have been joined by the Nuns from Notre Dame.

This year, dinner will feature soup prepared by the First Baptist Church; salads by the First Presbyterian Church; entrée by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and desert by Grace Methodist Church. People may eat in, take out or request home delivery.

Interested people in getting tickets in advance may call Roe Peters at (520) 249-6094. Unsold tickets will also be available at the First Baptist Church door, on 10th St. until sold out.

History of the Progressive Dinner

In the past of Douglas there was a community need that was addressed by Father Jim Hobart, from St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, along with Dr. Mari Rowe and Virginia Livingston.

The very first dinner consisted of Enchiladas and it was presented by St. Bernard’s Women. The second dinner, which took place in year 2000 consisted of Spaghetti.

Terri Nutti, from catholic charities in Bisbee suggested a prime rib dinner after the second one. Everyone’s light turned on and the Progressive Dinner was born.

With the original planners all leaving the area, Roe Peters then began spearheading the event.

“The dinner is locked into the last Friday of January,” Peters said. “This makes it easier for you to remember, in case you forget the exact date.”

The dinner has had only one price increase in all these years. It is still a great bargain at $12. Profits in the early years netted between $2,000 and $3,000.

Tommy and Margie Zamora from Mi Ranchito stepped in years later, donating all the prime rib.

“Tommy and Yogi Ortiz also donate their time cutting the meat,” said Peters.

Last year, the Progressive Dinner netted a record high of $5,500.