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Along with supporting the community, The King’s Fork Ruritan Club is marking a milestone this year.

Established in October 1949, the club is celebrating its 75th anniversary while also getting ready for its upcoming Captain Bob’s Chicken and BBQ Fundraiser, set for four to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 7, at 1600 King’s Fork Rd. Advanced tickets are $12.00, with takeouts only. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

King’s Fork Ruritan Club President Adrian Judy and Past President Millard Sherman discussed what fundraiser attendees can expect from the menu.

“It’s fried chicken, barbecue, string beans, and boiled potatoes,” Sherman said.

“And hush puppies,” Judy said. “You gotta have hush puppies.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit various charities, including The Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, Horton Wreath Society, and more. 

“Numerous organizations we’ve donated to over the years, some of them don’t exist anymore, some of them are fairly new, but in all of them, we donated what we thought we could afford to donate,” Judy said. “We continue to do that and over 75 years, I can’t imagine what the total amount of money is that we have been able to donate. And it means a lot to me to know that we’ve got people that are willing to support us in doing it.”

Sherman, who is Chairman of the 75th anniversary, also discussed what it meant to be part of the club and its community service.

“It feels like it was a privilege and honor to be able to work and help other people that needs help and that’s the reason I have been in it this long.”

They plan to celebrate the 75th anniversary this year by inviting guests such as Mayor Michael D. Duman, Sen. Emily Jordan, and others.

“ … We’re just going to have a big party and invite a lot of the … big wigs! I don’t know how else to put it, big wigs in the Ruritan Club!” Judy said with a laugh.

On their goals for the club, Judy expressed wanting to find new and younger members to get involved.

“We’re always looking for new members and I hope that [in] 75 years we can look back and say that we did another 75. Just depends on if we can keep the interest up, keep the people interested in it, continuing [with] their support,” Judy said. “That’s what it’s all about, you got to have the support.”

Likewise, Judy also talked about the positivity that comes from community service.

“There’s so much satisfaction when you decide to donate to an organization and a representative from that organization comes up to receive the check for it and they tell you about some situation they encountered in their organization,” he said. “And it just makes you feel good to know that you had a part [in] helping support it. It always makes me feel that way.”

To purchase tickets for the upcoming Captain Bob’s Fundraiser, call 757-334-2891.