Dorf Haus Thanksgiving Buffet to Support Pancreatic Cancer Research and Awareness

The Maier family, owners of the Dorf Haus Supper Club near Sauk City,  in the hamlet Roxbury, will donate 15 percent of the proceeds from their Thanksgiving Day buffet to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.(PANCAN). The donation is in memory of Betty Maier, who co-founded the Dorf Haus 56 years ago, with her husband, Vern. This is the seventh year the Maier family is donating to PANCAN, according to Rebecca Maier-Frey, a daughter of Betty Maier and an owner of the Dorf Haus. To date, the Thanksgiving buffet has raised $9300 for pancreatic cancer research. 
 
Maier-Frey, one of nine children of the late Betty Maier, said Thanksgiving is an appropriate time to honor her mother since she was person who started the Thanksgiving Buffet at the Dorf Haus, 25 years ago.
 
“Because my mother cooked Thanksgiving Dinner for our large, extended family, often reaching 50 people, she figured she might as well open the Dorf Haus for Thanksgiving Day Buffet and cook for more,” Maier-Frey said.
 
About 100 people came for Thanksgiving in 1990, the first year, and now, more than 650 guests celebrate Thanksgiving at the Dorf Haus.
 
 “Thanksgiving is not only a special day for our extended family, but also for our loyal customers who knew our mother and her vivacious energy and enthusiasm. We will have brochures available about PanCan’s dedicated research work, as well as photos on display of our mother and our father, from the early days of building the restaurant,” Maier-Frey said.
 
Tammy Andries, Waunakee, a ten- year survivor of pancreatic cancer and an advocate for pancreatic research at the national level, said the money raised at the buffet helps recruit the brightest scientists with the most innovative ideas so the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can work toward a cure by funding research, educating patients and caregivers, and supporting advocacy efforts.
 
The Thanksgiving feast, served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., is $17.25 for adults; $5.95 for children ages 5-l0 years old and $3 for tots four and under. Reservations at 643-3980. www.foodspot.com/dorfhaus.
 
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is dedicated to advancing research, supporting patients and creating hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. www.pancan.org