Epworth outreach programs benefit from golf outing
On May 10 at the Rehoboth Golf Park, 42 golfers, sponsors and contributors came together to raise over $4,200.00 to benefit the community assistance programs of the Epworth Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry and Immanuel Shelter. The event was hosted by the Epworth’s Men’s Group.
The Epworth Soup Kitchen welcomes an average of 35 to 40 neighbors for a Sunday soup meal. Take-out meals, about 25, are also filled. Since February 2012, five cooking teams have alternated preparing the hearty and creative soups. The ingredients come from the bounty of the Epworth Garden and from donations from local produce suppliers such as Fifer Orchards. Twice a week, surplus bread arrives from Panera as well as Safeway, and Super Giant donates milk, eggs and luncheon meat.
Soup and bread are also made available to the Immanuel Shelter, the Community Resource Center and to those who stop by Epworth daily for assistance. Soup is provided for events at Epworth such as Food & Faith, New Member Classes and the summertime International Student Outreach Program.
The Epworth Food Pantry began 15 years ago as the need for food staples, personal health items and basic household goods became evident in the community. Today, the needs are coordinated through the Epworth Good Samaritan Emergency Food Assistance Program. The pantry is replenished weekly by congregation donations, yet the need continues to grow as neighbors struggle to feed their families. This month, the Food Pantry received donations collected by the USPS.
The Immanuel Shelter provides dinner, a shower, a warm sleeping place and breakfast to the area’s homeless, caring for about 12 people per night. It is open from December 15 through March 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Volunteers and financial support are greatly needed to keep this vital program operating.
Corporate sponsors for the golf outing benefit were Lloyd Memorials, Parsell Funeral Services, CAMP Rehoboth, Solutions Property Management, Garden Bears Landscaping, Biore’s Hair Design, Lyman’s Beach Service, Morgan Stanley, Sign-A-Rama and Dewey Beach Lions Club. Prize contributors were Ruddo’s Golf, The Rookery North, Rigby’s Bar & Grill, Confucius, Mariachi, Salt Air, Ambrosia, Home Depot, Annabelle Biore, Janet Hroncich and Joann Helmeczi.
Epworth United Methodist Church is located at 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. For additional information on Epworth and its outreach programs, contact the church office at 302-227-7743 or www.eumcrb.org.
