Man's Warm Heart Ensures a Hot Meal

Mon, 02/01/2010

From the Providence Journal:

PROVIDENCE — With the temperature struggling to get into the 20s, the people who had lined up outside Via Roma on Federal Hill shortly before noon Sunday were huddled against the building and each other for warmth.

They weren’t waiting for brunch, or a wedding or other special event at the banquet facility. They were waiting for a free hot meal, courtesy of Federal Hill resident Tyrone Bennett and the small army of volunteers he had rallied.

For the second time in less than three months, the 26-year-old Bennett, a case manager with Gateway Healthcare and owner of an event-planning business, has reached out to his community by organizing a bountiful free Sunday dinner for the needy.

“At one time I had no job and no place to stay, so I know what it’s like,” said Bennett. “Now I’m fortunate to have a good job plus my own business and I want to help other people.”

Bennett said his effort is only possible thanks to support from people such as Via Roma owner Domenic Ierfino, students from his alma mater, Johnson & Wales University, and neighborhood youth groups that had rounded up non-perishable goods and clothing to give to guests on their way out.

He also said he appreciates ongoing support from Ward 13 City Councilman John Lombardi, who rolled up his sleeves and donned an apron to serve.

Bennett dubbed the event “We Feed,” derived from his We Event business. The first We Feed dinner was Nov. 15, also at Via Roma and open to all needy diners from noon to 6 p.m. By day’s end on Sunday, organizers estimated that they served more than 200 people.

Most of the people waiting to get in said they learned about the dinner from fliers that had been posted at the Crossroads Rhode Island shelter and social-service agency, the Providence Rescue Mission and other organizations that help the needy.

“For someone to do something like this in this economy is really nice,” said Stanley Kogut, who was in line with his wife, Shannon. “A lot of people think this can’t happen to them, but there’s a lot of people who need a hot meal today.”

Most of the nearly 50 people who had queued up ahead of time were homeless, but others said they’ve just been out of work too long and are looking for ways to get by on unemployment.

“I’d like to find the person who organized this and thank him and ask him what inspired him,” said Patrick Jordan of Providence.

Rounded out by donations from area restaurants, the meal included pasta, roasted chicken, roast pork, salad, pizza, macaroni and cheese and desserts.

“This young man pulled up by his bootstraps and now wants to make a difference in his community,” Lombardi said of Bennett. “He represents hope.”

Read the original article at the Providence Journal

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