Page 129 - FDCC Pandemic Book

Living in a Pandemic: A Collection of Stories on Coping, Resilience & Hope
circumstances. I reached out to the owner of Il Primo and the Public House to determine whether professionally prepared meals by a local restaurateur might be provided each Friday night to the residents and the staff of the Partnership.
When I founded the Harwell Law Group, I published my commitment to donate to charity. Toward that commitment, the Harwell Law Group paid for the first two Friday night dinners beginning on May 8, 2020 and fed approximately 94 victims with delicious dinners from the regular menu of Il Primo. As of this January 29, 2021 article, we have funded the dinners in whole and in part a total of 10 times.
To try to sustain the gift for as long as possible during a pandemic of unknown length, I reached out in May 2020 to lawyers in Chattanooga who worked primarily for the defense and to lawyers who worked primarily for plaintiffs. Friends from both the plaintiff and from the defense bar were quick to respond and commit to a Friday night’s dinner. Though often legal adversaries in the practice of law, the hearts of all were generous and kind.
Other members of the community that I called upon likewise responded, and the rest has become a rewarding assist in history – nothing great or compelling but welcomed. My friend, Nathan Lindley, who owns the two restaurants that have been helped, received the following note after one of the first Friday night dinners:
“I just wanted to let you know that I was blessed this evening with a meal from your restaurant. My son and I stay at a shelter in town for domestic violence victims, and we all received a meal from Il Primo this evening. It was very delicious. I don’t know if it was directly from you or if someone else donated it, but either way many thanks! I love what you all are doing for the community and just wanted you to know that it is appreciated!! God bless!!”
She had attended high school many years ago with this restaurateur and was comforted with the food and by the thought that someone cared. He and his staff were touched.
At the time of this writing on January 29, 2021, the #FeedThePartnership campaign has provided delicious nourishment for 37 weeks, has fed 1,438 victims of domestic violence, and has contributed over $30,000 to two local restaurants.
Personally, I have been gratified by just trying to do a good, albeit small, thing for others. The lessons that have been reinforced are that the act of giving is comforting; thinking of how one might effectively help another takes a person out of self and into community; and working with people who want to help others is heartening due to the sense of caring collaboration.
I give grateful attribution to the following who have contributed thus far: Marcy & David Eason; Chambliss Law; Grant Konvalinka & Harrison; Patton Albertson & Miller;
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