CHESAPEAKE — Just a few minutes after the doors opened at noon on Saturday, tables at the Chesapeake Community Center were filling up as hungry diners picked up plates of beans, corn bread and fried potatoes.

Dreama Jackson and Gerri Walker had their places at the buffet table serving up the fare while center director Ruth Damron was in the back kitchen keeping the food coming.

“I volunteer here every chance I get because it is good for the center,” Jackson said.

The bean dinner was the latest in a series of fundraisers planned for the center to keep it in the black.

“It’s going well,” Damron said. “Anyway we’re having fun.”

Another way to make money will come soon from renting the upstairs classrooms at the center to organizations needing a place. Rent is $200 a month and those interested can contact Damron at the center.

“Monday we start painting,” Damron said. “Within a week, we’ll put them on the market.”

A few months ago the center was unable to meet payroll or cover large utility costs. That’s when the fundraisers began.

“We’re going pretty good,” Damron said. “We have turned the corner. We are doing a whole lot better than expected.”

Future fundraisers include a ramp dinner, a gospel sing and a Memorial Day weekend cookout.

“I just enjoy getting together and cooking and making things and sharing,” Damron said.