A special event was held Saturday in Eagan’s honor to celebrate her service to the community. She attended virtually because of illness, but she was able to interact over the computer screen with friends and family who were at the afternoon celebration.

“Doing anything for 25 years is an accomplishment,” said Sonya Titus, who led the program. “But, when that accomplishment affects so many people for the good, then that is extra special.”

The event included lunch, refreshments, and the cutting of a beautiful cake honoring Eagan. Entertainment was provided by the “Trinity Rockettes,” comprised of Tina Wilson, Carol Rundell, Betty Westrope, and Lisa Rhea. Sonya Titus and Bill Powell had the crowd of about 60 people laughing with their reader’s theater piece. Eagan’s daughter, Mary Eagan, made some heartfelt and humorous remarks, showing her genetic connection to her mother, who is known for her “wicked sense of humor.”

“I know that, with her parents, and growing up, she really felt the need to do something to better this world,” Mary Eagan said. “And she’s always taught my brother and me that, as well. It’s not so much what we’ve accomplished in life. It’s who we’ve helped.”

Ellen Eagan

She thanked church members and volunteers in attendance.

“I just want to thank all of you for recognizing what we know ­– that my mom is an extraordinary, giving person,” Mary Eagan added.

The Trinity Episcopal Choir sang a delightful number as well. The Rev. Bruce Michaud presented Ellen Eagan with a commemorative certificate from the Diocese, reading it aloud to her as she watched and listened via the internet.

“She is one who is an instigator, a dreamer, and an arm twister — those are her own words to me,” Michaud said.

He then read a message from Eagan.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Ellen Eagan’s daughter, Mary Eagan, says a few heartfelt and humorous remarks about her mother, while Sonya Titus (seated) looks on.

“Ellen says, and I quote, ‘Everybody who comes today needs to be celebrated for their years of cooking, crewing, baking for us, giving money and food. Because, without their generosity, none of this would have happened,'” he read. “All true. But it’s thanks to her initiative, her dedication, and her leadership, that Sunday Supper has fed hungry people for 25 years, and the Episcopal Church designated Trinity as a National Jubilee Center for its outreach to those in need.”

Sunday Supper is available every week, from 4 to 5 p.m. Guests can come early for coffee and fellowship at 3:30 p.m., if desired. Sunday Supper is held at Trinity, but a number of Alpena churches alternate weeks serving, including St. Paul Lutheran, Living Hope Church, The Community of Christ Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Huron Shores Fellowship, and Grace Lutheran Church. The Steel Workers Union, Local 204, also volunteers for Sunday Supper, Titus said.

“Besides our Trinity crews, several churches, over the years, have regularly assisted in cooking and serving,” Titus shared. “What started as a one-church project has blossomed into an ecumenical program. And this has been an added blessing, I think — seeing us Christians working together feeding the hungry. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Trinity Episcopal Church member Debra Brown said Eagan has been invaluable in her efforts to serve those in need.

“I’ve known Ellen for about 30 years,” Brown said at the event. “She was my instructor when I went to Alpena Community College … I’ve been a member of Trinity Episcopal Church for about 10 years, and during that time, I’ve seen Ellen give of herself and include new people, welcome new people, and encourage new people to come be a part of Trinity Episcopal, and to support Sunday Supper.”

News Photo by Darby Hinkley A beautiful cake was made to honor Ellen Eagan for starting Sunday Suppers 25 years ago.

Brown said the ministry is essential to our community.

“People don’t realize the amount of homelessness that there is in Alpena and the surrounding areas,” Brown said. “Some people depend on these meals. We don’t question how much they take, how much they want, how much they need. You just don’t know. It might be their only meal for that day. They might need enough to sustain them for two or three days.”

She added that Eagan is a patient and productive leader.

“She doesn’t get frustrated,” Brown said. “She just keeps going, just like the Energizer Bunny. She has a sweet disposition, and she’s helpful, and learned. If she doesn’t have the answer, she will find the answer.”

Brown said Eagan makes the people who come to Sunday Supper feel good about themselves. The volunteers feel good, too.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Attendees brought bags full of nonperishable food items to Saturday’s tribute to Ellen Eagan at Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena.

“No judgment, neither of the people who are cooking the meals or the people who are receiving them,” Brown said.

Sunday Supper is available to anyone who needs it, and there are no income requirements or forms to fill out.

“This is just a ‘come as you are’ and be served,” Brown said. “No cost. The food that is cooked for Sunday Supper is donated.”

She added that the individuals, organizations, and businesses who have donated food are greatly appreciated, as are all the volunteers from Trinity and area churches.

Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 124 E. Washington Ave. To donate food, drop it off any afternoon, Monday through Friday. To make a monetary donation, make checks out to Trinity Episcopal Church and write “Sunday Supper” in the memo line.

“I want to thank all of you for coming, and for bringing your paper bags of goodies for the pantry,” Titus told attendees. “That’s how we keep going.”

Ellen Eagan said she just wants to be sure all the volunteers get the credit for making sure hungry mouths are fed.

“When I started this program, all I knew was that once we start feeding people, we can’t stop,” she said on Sunday. “I don’t think I even contemplated 25 years. I just knew I needed enough money to buy food for the next Sunday.”

She said Saturday’s program was wonderful, even if she had to attend virtually. She was feeling better on Sunday.

“I really wanted it to center on all of the people who have helped out in so many ways,” Eagan said. “It was really astounding to me, and heartwarming, to find out how people feel about Sunday Supper.”