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Feed the Hungry event serves over 900.
by Carole Miller –
Country music singer Irlene Mandrell (center) was among volunteers at the Reno feast. |
The word was out—a free, hot meal was available—and they came by the hundreds. “Tom” was among over 900 homeless and other needy people to attend the 5th annual Feed the Hungry Feast at the Reno Events Center. Approaching the serving line, he asked where he could put his bedroll, so it wouldn’t be stolen.
The Salvation Army and the Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) program of Safari Club International (SCI) sponsored the dinner. The event is held on the eve of SCI’s annual convention in Reno.
SAH donated the venison, which Eldorado Hotel chefs transformed into a tasty meatloaf. Potatoes, vegetable, salad, bread, dessert and beverages completed the meal. The Salvation Army and the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority hosted the dinner, with help from C&M Food Distributing, Model Dairy, Sports Services, Truckee Sour Dough, Carson Valley Inn, Washoe County Sheriff’s Department and High Sierra Chefs Association.
“We are fortunate to have such generous sponsors, in order to provide a hot meal to anyone in need,” said Major Doug Williams, Reno Corps Officer. “We can’t wipe out hunger with this one event, but it’s another opportunity to help.”
“This contribution is just one example of the caring sportsmen across the U.S. who gave nearly 170,000 pounds of wild game to the hungry during the hunting season,” said Steve Rilenge, SAH chair.
Over 150 volunteers served the meal, including country music singer Irlene Mandrell.