Success Kick Off For The Graycliff Feeding Program

Wed, May 13th 2020, 04:52 PM

For many, hunger in The Bahamas has been on the increase due to the harsh economic circumstances brought on by Covid-19. During the month of May, a new feeding initiative supported by strong partnerships will bring relief to thousands.

The Graycliff Feeding Program is a collaboration of the Garzaroli family’s Graycliff and Humidor restaurants, Better Homes MCR Bahamas Group and the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF). Volunteers, as well as corporate and private donors and organizations have also contributed. The feeding program will operate out of the Humidor on West Hill Street each Friday in May 2020 from 1 pm to 4 pm with the goal to serve more than 1,000 meals each week.

The first serving on May 8th was a success, where 1,200 dinners that were earmarked for that day, had been given out to walkup recipients, curb side pickup, emergency workers and by Rotary and other organizations for distribution in a two-hour period.

Enrico Garzaroli, his wife Annamaria, daughter Roberta and son Paulo who were part of the day’s activities were happy at how smoothly the event ran. Around 40 staff and volunteers worked behind the scenes and on the front line. Vehicles pulled up in a specially allocated space on West Hill Street between Graycliff and the Humidor and persons who walked up were also easily served. “I cannot believe that I am getting two free meals today for my family,” said a shy woman who was all smiles behind her mask.

The Graycliff Feeding Program was launched by Paolo Garzaroli and Mario Carey, and soon others joined in to help support this outreach initiative.

“The One Eleuthera Foundation Bahamas and OEF USA were chosen because they are a registered 501c 3, allowing US Citizens to claim a tax deduction on their gift,” said Carey. “We also wanted to help support One Eleuthera because of their stellar record. We just want to make sure we leave all doors open for people to make donations.” One Eleuthera Foundation is also part of the Government of the Bahamas’ National Food Security Taskforce now meeting to address food insecurity in the Bahamas.

Shaun Ingraham, CEO of the One Eleuthera was proud to have their Foundation collaborate with Graycliff on this initiative because it is a project that is important at this time to the needs of society. “I would like to thank the Garzaroli family, Mario Carey, the volunteers, sponsors and donors for their kindness. And for the trust in One Eleuthera. Thank you also for a donation that we will use to purchase groceries for children of frontline workers like the Royal Bahamas Police Force and other families in Eleuthera,” said Ingraham.

When asked about the feeding program, Carey mentioned, “When you serve food, you have to always remember God. It's hard work cooking for so many but we know every time we scoop up some food, we are feeding somebody who needs it – and that’s what it’s all about.”

Another partner in the effort, The Rotary Club of Old Fort collected one hundred dinners, milk and water for the night shift staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital. Other meals went to various senior citizen homes like the Good Samaritan Home, Persis Rogers and Unity House, as well to NPCC, St. Francis Xavier and the Bahamas Feeding Network. BAMSI, also a sponsor, distributed some dinners to their personnel and farmers.

“This program is the beginning of many great things. The more people who are involved, the wider reach we can have. We want to help other feeding programs,” said Paolo Garzaroli reminding us of the hardships the Covid-19 pandemic has caused. If you would like to donate, please select the “Graycliff Feeding Initiative” at https://tinyurl.com/y9uzkq5k.

The One Eleuthera Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2012 to identify, invest in and strengthen projects that improve the island of Eleuthera and further its economic, environmental and social development. Additionally, they support projects on other islands like New Providence and in the wider Bahamas. One Eleuthera operates a foundation in The Bahamas and one in the USA and is a success NGO. More information is available on www.oneeleuthera.org.

Paolo Garzaroli of Graycliff (left) and Mario Carey of MCR Bahamas Group (right) prepare dinners for the Graycliff Feeding Program, one of five that will be held each Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm in May 2020. The One Eleuthera Foundation is a proud partner of this program, having been chosen because of the stellar work they have done for Eleuthera and The Bahamas since 2012. Their 501c 3 status allows for US donors to participate easily in the feeding program. Donations can be made at oneeleuthera.org/donate. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry. 

The Graycliff Feeding Program launched on Friday, May 8th for curbside and walk ups. A shy recipient receives two dinners from Denise Francis, a Graycliff employee (left). Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

Curbside pickup was a smooth success at the first Graycliff Feeding Program that was held on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the Humidor Restaurant entrance on West Hill Street. Proud partners of this program were Graycliff, MCR Bahamas, the One Eleuthera Foundation. Volunteers, as well as corporate and private donors and organizations have also contributed to this initiative. Graycliff handing out the dinners and water are (L-R) Denise Francis, Terrence Rigby, Sherese Plakaris, and Jason Rolle. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Members of the Royal Bahamas Police force received meals and water at the Graycliff Feeding Program on Friday, May 8, 2020. Observing the joy people felt picking up free dinners was Graycliff patron, Enrico Garzaroli. The family has contributed to many charities and causes in The Bahamas. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry 

Two Rotarians from the Rotary Club (RC) of Old Fort Bay, Paolo Garzaroli of Graycliff and Mario Carey of MCR Bahamas Group help load 100 dinners, milk and water for night workers at the Princess Margaret Hospital as part of the Friday in May Graycliff Feeding Program. In the photo from left to right are: Deallo Christie, Director of Community Service, Rotary Club of Old Fort Bay, Paolo Garzaroli, Graycliff, Mario Carey and Dr. Petra Forbes, RC Old Fort Bay. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

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