On March 9, Newtown Congregational Church hosted the annual fundraising breakfast by Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants (NEWS).

More than 200 people participated in or attended the event, proceeds from which will be used to help fund a mission trip by 33 campers and eight chaperones to Biloxi, Miss., in late June. The 33 young adult campers will work with Back Bay Mission to help rebuild homes and provide other forms of support for identified communities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

While sponsors funded the breakfast, guests were encouraged to leave “a tip in the jar” at each table for their workcamp servers. Proceeds from the tip jars will also be used to support the trip.

The event’s Emcee was J. Edwards, Newtown educator and former Newtown Teacher of the Year, and the host was Reverend Matt Crebbin, senior pastor of Newtown Congregational Church.

There was a 50/50 raffle as well as raffle table items donated by area merchants and some of the workcamp families.