The Editor attended the Amish Community Benefit Dinner and Bake Sale, on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., as did hundreds of others! This well-attended event is hosted twice a year, by Joseph and Wilma Yoder, on their expansive property, 9108 W. Lincoln Road, Fulton, IL. A “good old fashioned, home cooked dinner” was promised and delivered. Carry-out meals were available.
This was a convivial summer supper, with folks leisurely chatting at tables. Fundraisers support the Amish children’s parochial school.
Before people enter two lines to fill their plate, there were tables of baked goods to be considered for purchase. At 5:00 p.m. when the Editor arrived, [two hours before closing] only a few items were left: two or three dozen cookies; a loaf of bread; a half-dozen berry, apple, and pecan pies. They were a sell-out!
This year’s meal included a meaty, perfectly-grilled chicken leg; flavorful noodles with chicken bits; garlic mashed potatoes with chicken gravy; cole slaw; crisp mixed vegetables; choice of baked dessert. Water and soft drinks were available–all for a donation.
Always a popular option is vanilla ice cream. It was created by Danny Miller, using an electric churn mounted to a portable trailer, which he made from a kit. His “secret recipe” is Anderson-Erickson Dairy vanilla ice cream liquid. No preparation is needed.
Using the liquid, Miller made eight batches throughout the day. That resulted from 40 quarts of mix.
Roman Borntrager (below center) was Miller’s assistant, taking containers of fresh ice cream to be chilled and served inside the biggest building. When the Editor asked Roman how many people attended the event, he confidently answered, “800.” When she asked how he knew, he said, “We count the plates! It takes teamwork” to manage these popular suppers.
Borntrager and his 16-year-old son, Elson, build custom replacement windows in eight area communities. Due to word-of-mouth recommendations, “we’ve been busy,” he said. After working 15 years in Wisconsin for a man who built windows, Borntrager started his business six years ago. “I have lots of years working on vintage windows,” he added.
Youths were left to their own quiet amusements. They could watch the horses.
Girls helped under the big tent to assist those in the food lines. Older boys gathered to chat near Miller’s churn.
Four youngsters explored the buggy barn.
This little girl shared her ice cream with a cat.
As the sun lowered, happy boys and an attentive dog gathered at the massive swing set.
Plan to attend the Amish Community Benefit Dinner later this year. Come early, if you wish to buy delicious Amish baked items.