Nativity Outreach Taste of 2012 a Huge Success in Brandon

It was a great night for the vendors and diners who made neighborhood connections to help the hungry in Brandon, and even moreso for the volunteers and benefactors of the Nativity Outreach Food Bank and pantry.

The Taste of 2012 for decades has drawn residents to a great night of dining out, where area eateries and food marts bring menu selections to serve to a packed multipurpose room crowd at Nativity Catholic Church and school, at 705 East Brandon Boulevard. Cost of admission is $10 in adance, $12 at the door.

"This may have been the biggest turnout to date," said volunteer John Hrabusa, whose wife, Sue, organizes the volunteers who work with Tess and Carl Falkenbach, who work to organize the operations of the food bank. "It seems like it was the biggest and I've been doing this for eight years."

The obvious draw Sept. 22 was to eat hearty while having a heart for those less fortunate in the community, who can receive food at the Nativity Outreach Food Pantry on Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m.

The pantry is open to residents living in Brandon ZIP codes 33511 and 33510 and Valrico ZIP codes 33594 and 33596. People in need who show proof of residency and a photo identification are welcome to receive food once a week for three months. To receive additional aid they must show as well proof of financial need.

The Nativity Food Bank in Dover works with about 75 different food pantries and ministries, including the food pantry at Nativity, to help feed people in need.

"It's good to help people, we need to help people," said Ruth LePage, who added that she has been volunteering with the pantry for almost 30 years. She was interviewed at the conclusion of the Taste of 2012, held Sept. 22.

"I'm tired but it's rewarding, very rewarding," LePage added. "We all worked hard, every one of us."

Judy Bodinet agreed.

"It's very gratifying, our volunteer work, and especially when you get to see the recipients who come back [to the food panty] and they are so grateful for every little thing you give them."

Added Angela Sweeney, who with Addia Limtiaco has been volunteering with the outreach for 13 years: "It's fun, and we make very good friendships."

"It's amazing what a group of senior citizens can do," she added. "It's such an accomplishment that we're able to do all the things we do. Some of us are getting pretty old."

The volunteers come in all ages, though, and that's what brings the overall effort such a feeling of community, and especially on the night of the taste event, the main fundraiser each year for the Nativity outreach effort.

The night, Sweeney said, could be summed up in a word: "Neighborhood."

"I like everything about it," added Carmen Gorman. "The people, and that nobody goes home home hungry. We're all like friends, a big family, and everybody's very satisfied."

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RELATED COVERAGE:

• Nativity's Taste of 2012 in Brandon Tonight (Sept. 22)

• Nativity's 2011 Taste in Brandon: Volunteers on the American Dream