Through endless chatter and good smells from every direction, those entering the Elks Lodge could feel the warmth of camaraderie from friends — and the heat plates beneath serving dishes. 

Turning Point's annual Taste of Our Town fundraiser returned for its third year Monday, Sept. 15 to benefit the nonprofit’s mission of helping people experiencing homelessness across the South Coast. 

Turning Point is a social service agency that provides supportive services to individuals and families who are facing various life challenges.

Guests purchased tickets at the door and could eat from a variety of vendors across Wareham. From pizza to ice cream, plates were piled high with local eats.

Board Member for Turning Point, Garrett Douglas, was handing out portions of Italian wedding soup. He highlighted the varying groups that united for the organization's cause.

"They all come together to help prevent homelessness — which is the key mission of our organization," Douglas said. 

With an overflowing parking lot, he said guests should arrive early as the event grows every year. Although the event is only two hours, Douglas said most of the food is gone well before the end.

"I think we might have to ask the Elk's Lodge to put on an addition for us next year," he joked. 

First-timer Philomena Hare was one of many who visited Douglas and got a ladle full of soup.

"Look at what I've been missing out on," Hare said. "Everybody who's anybody is here. Gosh, I've been missing out."

Hare was on the move with her food, standing and eating as she was in a time crunch. She said she didn't want to sit and was excited to sample everything.

"There's a lot of good people here and there's a lot of good food," she said. "Everybody always talks about a divided country or community — but everybody here? We just want to live being kind, gracious and gentle to each other. That's what I'm feeling here tonight."

Some of the hands helping serve food were smaller than most. With gloves too big for their hands, Verbena Costa and Nova Lomp acted like their mothers and donned Towne Tavern and Tap uniforms.

Nova said she wished everyone would have a good day and that she wanted to become a chef just like her mom.

"Nova's mom is a chef and my mom is the general manager," Verbena said. 

The pair were handing out whipped ricotta on crostini and both said their favorite thing about the event was serving the guests. Although they didn't plan on eating any of the Warehamite food, Verbena thought they could indulge on one thing.

"Okay… well maybe we'll get some ice cream," she said.