Friday 13 January 2017

April 2016


Dear vacationing OOTC’ers,

We should all be very grateful and satisfied to have completed another meaningful season of OOTC. Over 20 weeks, we warmed and fed 1597 guests, averaging 80 guests per week.

We also took every opportunity to thank our guests for making the effort to attend through this unusually frigid winter.  So many people have mobility challenges and it was probably no easy feat!  One guest summed up his effort by saying, “Eating here is like coming to my dear old aunt’s house.” Knowing that most of our servers are Jewish, another guest always said, “Toda (thank you)” and “Bevakasha (you’re welcome).”   Another guest was overheard on his cell phone, “Second time this week I’ve had meatloaf.”      Well…. anyway you look at it, it’s advertising, right?

Our last night’s menu for the largest group we had all year, 123 guests, was Memories of March soup, Brisket, Caesar Salad, Roasted Root Vegetables, Fruit.  Everyone received a bag of toiletries too!

Our hosts at St Mary’s have been especially gracious and generous with their space. This, we hope, will remain our home and a haven for so many seeking friendly faces and food to curb their hunger and help them to spend their money on housing, heat, clothes and healthcare needs.

The blessings in our lives are especially poignant and pronounced when we so often serve our guests who need more than they currently have.   To get to know them and to build friendships with other volunteers under the stellar direction of wonderful Norma Jack, coordinator of volunteers, …. Well, let’s say, it’s just one of the very best parts of our lives. I’m sure you’ll all agree.

“There is joy for people who have plans to do good.”  

Join another couple of hundred like-minded people  at the Annual Appreciation Night Dinner being held at St. Mary's Church Hall on Wednesday, April 22nd. Please RSVP by emailing the office as directed on the attached invitation.

It’s always great to have a well deserved break, but I hope you will look forward to joining us again in November.  Have a wonderful Passover and Easter, Summer and Fall.

See you in November.

Cindy

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