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

Don’t tell the volunteers at Nativity Catholic Church that the American Dream is under siege. They can see it for themselves, the need that runs deep in the Greater Brandon community and beyond.

“We work at the food bank and we see the need, not only with our food bank but also with other churches within our community who come to the food bank to pick up food,” said Pat Redderson, at the 2011 Taste of Brandon fundraiser, held Sept. 24, to benefit the Nativity Outreach Food Bank and food pantry.

Is the American Dream dying?

“We’re hoping it’s still alive,” said volunteer Jess Limtiaco.

“We want to think positively,” Redderson added. “We can turn this around.”

Added Limtiaco: “We can only look forward.”

The hope is in the singular efforts of individuals coming together for a common cause, as they did at the Taste of Brandon, which featured the menu items of restaurants and food marts throughout Hillsborough County.

“If every person did one little thing it would make a big difference in the world,” Redderson said. “One little charitable thing, one little thoughtful thing. It could go a long way.”

The volunteers at Nativity are not ready to give up on the promise of something better.

Their faith sustains them.

So, too, the donations that were raised at the wildly popular Nativity food fest, filled, as always, with eager diners looking to both get their fill and give back to the community.

“Everything. I liked everything,” said Doug Taggerty, who added that he had tasted just about every menu sample offered at the event by area eateries and food marts.

“I’m in pain right now," he said good-naturedly, rubbing his stomach, "but it’s a good pain.”

Moreover, “I love supporting the Nativity Food Bank and food pantry,” Taggerty said. “It supports not just our community but churches throughout the area that minister to the poor.”

Is the American Dream dying?

“Not at all,” Taggerty said. “Not as long as there’s people like this volunteering.”

Count among them Carl Falkenbach, who volunteers at the Nativity Food Bank in Dover, which he said works with “75 different food pantries and ministries, including the food pantry at Nativity.

That pantry is open every Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., for people in need with residences in the Brandon ZIP codes 33510 and 33511 and the 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 need now is more for our middle class, for people who have to pay their mortgages, who ask, 'Do I not pay my mortgage or do I not get food?' ” said Tess Falkenbach, Carl’s wife.

Is the American Dream dying?

“I hate to say this, but I don’t know,” Tess Falkenbach said. “I wish it weren’t, but it’s hard for people. They’re not where they used to be. People who were well off at one time, we find them in need.”

The situation is particularly bad for the elderly, and “things are never going to get better for them,” she added.

“We have to find something to take care of our older families, people who have lived here for years, who have done their part to help their country, and who now find themselves in need," Tess Falkenbach said. "It's embarrassing for them to ask for help. It breaks their hearts.”