peachcobblersale.org

(August 19, 2010) Atlanta, GA.  By the time the 22-year civil war in southern Sudan ended, almost 2 million people had died and 4 million more had become refugees. Unable either to grow or to purchase food, many experienced malnutrition and even starvation. In the five years since the war’s end, 1.7 million refugees have returned home to find a devastated land that lacks clean water, health care, and schools. Many more who want to return are watching to see how rebuilding efforts progress.

For help, the churches of Sudan have turned to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), an international relief and development agency that has worked in partnership with them for the past 35 years. The proceeds of the 2010 Peach Cobbler Mennonite Relief Auction will support MCC’s 10-year commitment to help rebuild schools, clinics and latrines, and drill new wells plus other MCC projects. Last year’s sale raised $45,000.

“We can’t turn away,” said Merle Diem, one of the organizers of the eleventh annual sale. “The Peach Cobbler Auction is a way to use the skills that are part of our heritage to raise money to aid those in need.”

The 2010 Peach Cobbler Mennonite Relief Auction will take place on September 17-18 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, I-75 Exit 135 in Perry, Georgia. Admission is free and the public is welcome at all events.

The annual Peach Cobbler Sale (www.peachcobblersale.org) is a collaborative effort of Mennonites from across the Southeast, who draw on their rich heritage of handicrafts, home cooking, and cooperation to present the sale. Featured items include handmade quilts, crafts, home-canned foods, soft ice cream, and of course, peach cobbler.

The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, with a Brunswick stew supper, live mini-auction, hymn sing, and preview of the sale quilts. Saturday’s activities open with a free sausage and pancake breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. A live auction of the quilts and other handicrafts and goods begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until mid-afternoon. The day is spiced with a hand quilting demonstration, children’s activities, sale of  homemade crafts, and a savory lunch featuring barbequed chicken and peach cobbler.

“The Peach Cobbler Sale is like many other relief sales around the country.  It’s a reunion, a time to connect with old friends; it’s a showcase for quality handwork; and it’s an event designed to raise money for a good cause,” Mary Maynard, organizer, said.

Relief Sales are unique celebrations organized by Mennonites across the United States and Canada to raise funds for needy people around the world. The sales benefit Mennonite Central Committee, a cooperative relief and service agency of 25 North American church groups, founded in 1920. MCC’s worldwide efforts include refugee and famine relief, agricultural and community development, education, health care, and peace concerns. The sale also benefits Christian Aid Ministries, a similar relief organization of the Amish.

Contact:  Brenda Shelby, Treasurer at 404-344-5012 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Mary Yoder,  Chair at 404-373-2905 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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