Paddles Up for Cocktails and Chrome

Over 100 guests showed up to support the third annual Cocktails and Chrome for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP) hosted by Jim and Allyson Richards on Sunday November 3, 2024. All funds raised will go to supporting the pantry’s operations.  

“We could not have ordered a better day,” remarked host, Jim Richards as he welcomed a tent full of generous guests. “We are here for my wife’s passion, feeding the hungry,” Jim said as he introduced Allyson, who shared the news about the new building for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry. “We are in the midst of a capital campaign,” she said. “We have to move but if we can’t feed the people, then that new building is not going to do any good. That is the reason we are here today.”

“To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48)” Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan reminded the guests. ODBFP began in January 2016 with only five volunteers and by April 2016, six families came but soon word spread, and they were serving 600 families a month. In 2024, the Food Pantry serves 900-1000 families a week.”  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs in May 2016 was $1.68 and in 2024, it costs $3.82/dozen – a 176% increase. A stark reminder of how much grocery prices have risen and continue to rise from week to week. The event encouraged guests to “raise those paddles for food, hope, and encouragement for those who need them most.”

Paddles were raised high and often under the big tent - it was all about the heartfelt act of generosity for a good cause, and the guests were feeling generous! 

Once again, a special collection of vintage and collectible classic cars was on display, and even for the non-enthusiast, most of the models were well known. 

Under the Big Tent, guests nibbled on Chef Jay Wolfson’s famous appetizers and listened to music by saxophonist Gerald Augustin.

If you missed the Sunday event and wish to donate, here are some ways you can give:

$100 = A quart of Milk for 54 households 

$500 = Fresh Eggs for 150 households 

$1,000 = Peanut Butter & Bread for 200 households 

$1,500 = Fresh Produce (8 -10 lbs. per cart) for 175 households 

$2,000 = A cart of groceries for 50 households 

$3,000 = Provides weekend meals to 300 K – 12 students

$5,000 = A cart of groceries for 125 households 

For more information, go to ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org.