At 50 cents a plate, the Marion Social Club’s annual chicken dinner was a bargain for senior citizens and their guests on Sunday afternoon.

More than 150 people attended the dinner, which is hosted by club members who volunteered their time and donated food. The event is how the club gives thanks to the town’s older adults, member George Pima said.

The dinner was to be free when it was first proposed. However, attendees insisted on paying.

“The seniors, they have their pride, they said they wanted to pay a dollar. I said: ‘No, you can pay fifty cents,’” said club member Joe Ayres.

Behind the club, located at 44 Pumping Station Road, the chicken was prepared in a large enclosed barbecue pit supervised by Ayres. A member for 26 years, Ayres’ father was one of the original members in 1981.

“This is something I love to do,” he said. “This is their day. Today the club is all about the seniors.”

While the dining room was full, Paul Garib delivered 32 meals to homebound seniors using the Marion Council on Aging’s van. He also transported people to and from the dinner.

Each month, the club hosts a dinner or raffle. Funds raised pay for upkeep on the club's building and raise funds for the community.

Pima noted club members raised enough to award four $500 scholarships to local students this year.

He said club membership is open to anyone in Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham. The club’s facility is also available for rental. For more information on the Marion Social Club, call 508-748-3888.