Food and fellowship draw islanders out on Saturday night
Feeling the need to bring neighbors and friends together to share a meal and good conversation, Pastor Heidi Gruiser of the Pine Island Community Church, Pastor Lynn Beaudry of Jesus Christ Ministries and Sister Dina Bode began serving free dinners at the Jesus Christ Ministries at Doug Taylor Circle last weekend.
Feeding nearly a dozen individuals and families, volunteers offered up free hot dogs, chicken and dumpling soup, collard greens, cupcakes and lemonade to anyone who wanted to share in the meal.
According to Gruiser, the idea to feed the hungry first was brought to her attention a year ago when members of the Beacon of HOPE expressed a concern for the hungry and homeless on the island.
“I was first approached by Sheri Dube with the Beacon and Robert Hippert from Bootstrap Ministries about a growing problem on Pine Island. Also expressing a desire to feed people on the island was Rabbi Malcolm Stone, who also saw a need for a regular program. My only problem was that while we had the desire to help, we didn’t have a building where we could prepare and serve meals,” said Gruiser. “We then put out a call for assistance and stepping forward was Pastor Lynn, who also was looking for a way to help the community.”
From this grassroots effort, Pine Island Cares came into being and the group held its first event last month.
“We learned a lot about the community as a result of the Pine Island Cares event and knew it was time to get started serving free meals to those who need them and for those who would just like an opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors once a week in a loving and non-threatening atmosphere, and I think we are accomplishing just that,” said Gruiser.
According to Gruiser, much of the meal was prepared by Hippert and the collard greens were donated by Chris Capone from Little Lilly’s Island Deli. Others who helped prepare for the meal were Deb Cundall and Karen McKee from Matlacha.
Beaudry said she feels the first dinner was a great success and that it will grow as more people from the island know about the weekly event.
“For our first run, it went wonderfully. This has given me a good feeling and is helping to fulfill my mission. I had just recently approached my board with this very need and knew we had to do something and the free meals seemed like the answer,” said Beaudry. “This is not a hand-out but more a way of helping hardworking every day people who can’t afford to go out and often find there is too much month at the end of the money, forcing them to cut back on many every day ordinary things.”
On Aug. 15, Beaudry’s church, in addition dinner, invites those attending to stay to enjoy a movie. The film, titled “Faith Like Potatoes,” will follow a dinner that will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. at Jesus Christ Ministries. During the movie, viewers can enjoy free soft drinks and popcorn.
“People can come just for the meal or just for the movie or for both,” said Beaudry. “All are welcome to attend this free evening.”
Bode first came to Pine Island as part of her mission with the Catholic Church. Since her arrival just after Hurricane Charley, she has worked hand in hand with the Beacon of HOPE as a volunteer and currently takes care of the needs of several elder shut-ins.
“Several of us had met many times to discuss the issue of the people who were going hungry because of today’s economic crisis. Some of us wanted to get started right away while others thought we were moving too fast, but in my opinion the need was now and it could not wait any longer,” said Sister Diana. “Deb Cundall and I finally were able to talk with Pastor Beaudry who had said her church had been praying about this very subject and within a week we had it organized and going. I am very pleased and I know this will gain more interest as we go along.”
According to Beaudry, at this point the cost of the meal has been absorbed by those organizing and preparing the meal, however, those who would like to make a donation to help defray the cost of feeding the islanders are asked to call Beaudry at 282-2226.
Gruiser, Beaudry and Bode plan to continue to serve a free meal each Saturday evening at the Body of Jesus Christ Ministries from 6 to 7 p.m. and for those who need a ride or would like more information, call Sister Diana at 896-0270, Cundall at 292-6886 or Beaudry at 282-2226.