xMembers of Port of Spain North Lions Club served up a cornucopia of food for patrons at the Club's fourth annual fundraiser "Dining with the Stars", held at Lions Civic Centre, Port of Spain last Saturday.  A large number of patrons turned out to savour a variety of food prepared by Lions' chefs whose culinary skills raised money for several worthy causes. 

This year the theme "An  Enchanting Evening", was overshadowed by the controversial Section 34 which showed up in dishes like "Vengeance of Clause 34 Pepper Sauce" and  "Clause 34 Duck" prepared by Keith Sampson. Then there was "Something Fishy (clause 34)", a red snapper stewed with ginger and oyster sauce Chinese style prepared by Terry Innis, and the appetising "Clause 34 Corn Pie". 

Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic athletes were also well represented—there was the "100 Metre Bronze Tofu Dynamite", "100 Meter Bronze Lamb", "Olympic Gold Medal Roast Beef", "Triple Olympic Curry Goat", "Triple Bronze Medal Geera Chicken" and so on.   Sea food menus were also very popular—including "Sea Food Melee", "Shrimp Kebabs", "Crab Back", "Sea Food Casserole", "Pepper Shrimp", "Crab Stuffed Dumplings" and "Sail Fish in Pimento Sauce."

The event also celebrated Lions Port of Spain North Club's 36th anniversary, which comes on the heels of 50 years of 'Lionism' in Trinidad and Tobago which was celebrated in May with a gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Port of Spain. Over the last 50 years, club members from various districts have carried out the mandate of offering sympathy to those in distress, aid to the weak and substance to the needy; to give freely of their time, labour and means and to service the community without personal financial reward. The Lions and Leo Clubs in TT have done many signature community projects which add to the development of the country and its people in the areas of health care, the environment and education.

President of Port of Spain North Lions Club, Anwar Hollingsworth, said although only in its fourth year, the fundraiser has grown. He said its success over the years has helped many organisations and individuals in the Club's district. He hopes Dining with the Stars will grow into a signature event.  "Money raised is going to help various charities and individuals.  Last year we assisted Cascade School for the Deaf, Rainbow Rescue, Lions Club International Foundation and some of our constitutional communities and individuals. 

He added:  "Funds are going towards many of our charities in our constitutional areas which include St James, Long Circular, Debe, Cascade, Maraval and Cocorite. All funds raised will go towards the community; none of the funds go towards the Lions; it goes to the less fortunate which is our main goal and objective, "Hollingsworth said. He noted that both young and old are dedicated to the success of activities hosted by the Club.  "Our Lions Club of Port of Spain North was awarded the best club in the district. Our theme is Lions Serve with Excellence. We continue to serve the less fortunate with pride.

We are also empowering younger members to take over the torch for further successful planning.  Our lions club in particular has a wide membership of people of all ages and they all contribute; in some way all are active. We are a vibrant club and we strive for excellence," Hollingsworth said.