PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) – Governor John Baldacci sponsored a spaghetti dinner Wednesday night to benefit Preble Street’s “Homeless Voices for Justice” program.

The Governor hosted the fundraiser to help make up for money lost after the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland pulled its support of the agency.

The Diocese says it was over Preble Street’s support of last November’s referendum to legalize gay marriage. So, the organization is losing $17,000 this year, and $33,000 next year, as a result.

More than 800 people filed through the front door at the Italian Heritage Center, organizers actually lost count at one point. The Governor requested a $5 a plate donation. Some people gave more and other stopped by simply to donate.

NEWS CENTER