An interview could be won by something as simple as eye contact, and a friendship could be forged with something as subtle as a thank you card.

These messages and more were revealed to young adults and children during an etiquette dinner hosted by the Connect2Tomorrow organization on Tuesday night at Saint Peter Parish in Butler.

“We are a Butler County nonprofit that works with teens 12 to 18, and we try to teach them basic life skills,” Mike Liebler, the organization's executive director, said. “They learn about respect, manners and etiquette.”

Liebler said the program helps fill in some of the voids in educating today's youth.

“I know that the curriculums in the schools statewide have changed,” he said. “I saw that and thought that this was a gap that was missing.”

Nedra Casey, the presenter, was a teacher for 35 years and an active member of the Butler Little Theatre. She said she used etiquette in many facets of her life.

“I want to share my experiences,” Casey said. “Etiquette is the rules that show the proper way to do things. That's all it is.”

Casey showed the group the uses for each spoon, fork and knife. She explained proper ways to communicate with others at the table and work together in sharing the food with everyone. She also talked about how to tastefully reject food or offer criticism to a waiter.

“The best way is to quietly and politely say 'excuse me, there's a problem,'” she said.

Casey worked in different facts, tips and funny anecdotes throughout a five-course meal cooked and served by volunteers. The group was served appetizers, broccoli cheddar soup, chicken, mashed potatoes and a dessert, among other items.

Elijah Errington, 18, of Butler, who attended with a younger brother and sister, said this was his first year going to the event.

“It's very nice,” he said. “It's neat that they're trying to bring culture and etiquette to young children.”

Errington said he has seen people being rude in public, and he feels a dinner like this could help them understand the right steps to take.

“This would help them be comfortable in social settings, so they know how to respond properly in a certain situation,” Errington said.

Cecilia Tomko of Butler attended with her daughter Chesna, 16, and son, Anthony, 14, both of whom are home-schooled.

“I was thrilled to find out about this event,” Cecilia Tomko said. “These are things they need to hear.”

Tomko said the event is especially helpful for those who homeschool because those students don't have the same opportunities to socialize in a setting that demands proper etiquette.

“It makes such a difference,” she said. “I want my kids to have every opportunity available to them.”

Chesna said she liked the way Casey and Leibler presented the issue.

“I liked the way they talked about being comfortable,” she said. “I always thought about (etiquette) being stiff and scary.”

Anthony said he appreciated being able to learn while enjoying good food.

“It was fun,” he said. “I learned how to use the silverware properly.”

Caitlyn Wodarski, 18, of Butler said she was thankful to the volunteers for the effort they put into the event.

“It was pretty nice that they set up this thing and cooked all this food. It was all free,” she said. “I think (etiquette) is a good thing to teach people.”

She said she also appreciated the idea of not using phones at the table, which was asked of the attendees at the beginning of the meal.

“I was pretty glad they said that,” Wodarski said, “(otherwise,) you wouldn't get to talk to anyone or get to know them.”

Casey said cell phones are especially hazardous because a high form of respect can be paid by looking someone in the eyes. She said as cell phone usage rose over the years, most people would instinctively look down rather than to someone's eyes.

“We are so used to being on our phones constantly,” she said.

Casey said people also need to learn to listen and speak when it's their turn, not interrupt others.

“I think we all think what we say is important,” she said. “(Changing) is hard to do. It's not an easy thing to do.”

Casey said a focus on etiquette can get people jobs, friendships and the respect of others, but most importantly it gives people self-respect, which is a powerful force to wield in life.