233063
232830

Vernon  

Chef serves up surprise meal

Guests at the Upper Room Mission in Vernon were pleasantly surprised by a three-course meal on Friday, offered up by Vince Van Wieringen, Executive Chef of Vernon Golf & Country Club.

The mission was transformed into a “restaurant”, named Chez Charlotte, after a special guest who recently passed away. And the dinner itself was planned as a surprise reception that followed a memorial at Polson Park.

Lisa Anderson, fundraising director for the mission, says the dinner was a way to provide their guests with something many of them had never experienced.

“Greeting our guests at the door and being able to see the look of shock and awe on their faces was so incredible,” says Anderson.

“Talking to them during the course of the evening, I got the same responses, ‘This is the first time I’ve had a three course meal, with servers and the whole bit’ or  ‘I’ve never had braised beef before, it’s so tender.’”

The dinner coincided with the end of Homlessness Action Week, a significant occasion given that 14 clients of the Upper Room Mission passed away last year due to homelessness-related issues.

“It was a very humbling experience to see and be a part of. Everyone was so grateful and happy with what Vince prepared for them all, and we served 120 meals that night.”

Volunteers from the community, including social workers, services providers and even students from Vernon Secondary School worked as servers. Guests were provided with goody bags, and there was even live entertainment.

The non-profit organization offers daily meal services, resource referrals, advocacy and work programming Monday to Friday from 9-5 p.m.

They typically serve upwards of 300 meals each day to clients that include the working poor, low-income families, single parents, the elderly and those struggling with mental illness or addictions.

To find out more visit the Upper Room Mission's website.



More Vernon News