DMA Food Pantry to benefit from Perkins’ re-opening
Locals get the chance Monday to enjoy some delicious food, meet and greet friends, and help their neighbors in need – all in one place. The location isPerkins Restaurant in Dandridge, which is celebrating its Grand re-opening April 14, starting at 5 p.m.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, a portion of all the restaurant’s proceeds from sales between 5-8 p.m. will be donated to the Dandridge Ministerial Association’s Food Pantry to help feed the hungry in the Dandridge area.
“We love this community. It’s so picturesque and beautiful, and we’re happy to be part of it,” said Brandon Otto, who, along with his dad Steve, owns Perkins Restaurant.
Brandon went on to explain that Perkins’ owners and staff are always happy to be involved in helping their neighbors, and in assisting the DMA Food Pantry in their important mission.
“They’re a little organization doing a big job,” said Brandon. “We just wanted to help shine a light on an organization that might be invisible to some out there.”
Reverend John Thompson, United Methodist Minister and coordinator for the DMA Food Pantry and Thrift Store, says Perkins has been a marvelous corporate partner for years, and their support has helped meet many needs in the community.
Thompson offered numbers from the Food Pantry that clearly define the need that exists. In 2011, the DMA Food Pantry provided foodstuff to 4132 people – 2933 adults and 1379 children. In 2013, that number rose to 4538 adults and 2649 children; and the first three months of 2014 indicate that before the year is over, DMA Food Pantry will have fed more than 5000 adults, and more than 3600 children. Obviously, needs in the community have spiraled upward over the last few years, and having corporate partners to help them is critical for the food ministry.
That ministry is based on Jesus’ admonition to his disciples in John 21:17. “Feed My Sheep,” He told them.
“To ensure meeting the needs for hungry people, we have to form coalitions,” said Thompson.
He reminded everyone that there are senior citizens out there who are “old school,” and rather than ask for anything, they choose to do without food in order to buy their medicine. Some have to go without both.
“A corporate partner like Perkins Restaurant is a blessing,” Thompson said.
He encourages people in the community to come out to Perkins next Monday and enjoy great food and great company and help their neighbors at the same time.
Brandon welcomes everyone who will come out and see the newly renovated and redecorated dining rooms. There will be complimentary light appetizers and refreshments, complimentary chair massages provided by Appalachian Training Center for the Healing Arts, a chance to join the MyPerkinsClub and possibly win free tickets to a Smokies game, and weather permitting, there will also be music played by a live D-J on the patio outside.
Specific monetary donations to the Dandridge Ministerial Association Food Pantry will be welcomed and deeply appreciated.
By Gayle Page-Staff Writer | Standard Banner. Thursday, April 10, 2014.
501 Patriot Drive
Dandridge, TN 37725
865-397-4796