The Cigar Dinner was born twenty-three years ago, primarily through the efforts of Mark Mandeville 
and Tony Heckenkemper, whose combined goal was to provide an event for the men of our community 
to gather and to raise funds for the Christ the King Education Endowment Fund. From its humble beginnings 
those 20 years ago in a small tent on the east side of the Christ the King gymnasium, the Cigar Dinner 
quickly became an annual favorite and graduated to a much larger multi-tent affair on the west side of the 
old Early Childhood Development Center. After a multi-year run in this location, the Cigar Dinner was 
then moved to its present location in the Rucker Warehouse.

Over its history, the Cigar Dinner has annually brought several hundred men, both from within and from 
outside the Christ the King community, together in a fun, albeit somewhat smoky atmosphere. In addition 
to the fun and the many stories for those who have attended regularly, the Cigar Dinner has raised well in 
excess of $400,000 for the CTK Education Endowment Fund.  It has been a success from both a community 
and financial standpoint and it is hoped that it will continue for years to come.

From the annual raffle ticket buying frenzy to win the much sought after Hasty-Bake, to the women of the 
community who donate their time to help serve and sell us those tickets, to Mark Mandeville's bad jokes and 
constant jabs, to Phil and Brent who so often entertained us, and to all who have consistently supported this 
event, we and the children of this community offer our sincere thanks. 

Since the passing of Mark Mandeville in 2010, all proceeds are added to the Mark Mandeville Burse of the 
Christ the King Education Endowment Fund. This action is in recognition of not only Mark's contributions 
to the creation and evolution of this event, but to his wonderful spirit and ever positive faith that endured 
throughout his battle with ALS. Mark touched all of our lives with his courage in the face of this ruthless 
adversary that ultimately took his life.

We are all truly blessed and this event is an example of what, over time, the efforts of a small community 
can accomplish together.