May 10, 2010 @ 8:55 am
Feeding Life
Taste of the Nation, Portland, OR (24)
As a kid, I remember commercials with a somewhat overweight, caucasian male, asking Americans to send donations monthly to provide a child in another country with food. The monetary request was something minimal, roughly 65 cents a day. I recall not really understanding the depth of this message. I, of course, understood what was being asked, but with as young as I was, I was confined to the borders of this nation. The problem of hunger was something with which we, as Americans, would never struggle. I was also curious as to why their leaders weren’t providing the needs of the people. Our country was a force, and exempt from such devastation. As I’ve become older, my feelings most certainly have changed. I recognize that for years, child hunger has knocked on our doors, played in our backyards, in every city, in every state, and begged to be acknowledged. I was finally listening, and ready to help in some way.
So here we were, preparing for this fantastic night with amazing tastes from some of the best restaurants in Portland, all the while, bringing about support for a tremendous, and incredibly important cause. As we walked around the warehouse, we peeled, stuck, and arranged restaurant banners above serving stations. While this was an absolutely necessary component of a successful evening, I was ready for something a bit more exciting. Well, ask and you shall receive. Enter: Goodie bags! Is there anything more exciting then a night that ends with a few take-home treats?
Quick side story: Days before my birthday party, sitting on the brown carpeted floor of our den (don’t worry, it was the 80’s, and the carpet has since been replaced), in mid-January, I grabbed two pieces of hard candy, several fruit chews, a funky-shaped pencil, an eraser in the shape of a heart or smiley face (girls versus boys), and one or two stickers. Carefully, I placed them in a small colored bag, as these would be the gifts sent home with my guests. After questioning yet again, just why I wasn’t able to enjoy the luscious tastes of the gushing fruit squares, I lined the bags against the fireplace. My work was exemplary (Sorry, I just had to share, and the memories of my childhood-Punky Brewster lovin’, different color sock wearin’, pink bicycle ridin’ memories are just my fav).
Anyhow, we filled bags with aprons, olive oil…you know, the essentials for fine chefs. There were books, magnets, and pamphlets about our cause. We rolled reusable shopping bags and included them as our final touch. Then, we walked them to their new homes, and quietly begged for our next task. As I look back on this request, I somewhat question our decision to make ourselves available. Totally kidding (kind of)! We were at this event to help in any way necessary, regardless of the monotony. The assignment: Wiping out beer steins, wine glasses and tumblers to ensure they were free of any debris. Two words you ask? Crazy exciting! I’m totally having fun with this, and quite honestly, we were so grateful to have been given a job, and as I’ve mentioned before, volunteering IS about having fun, BUT more importantly, it’s about performing a duty that needs to be performed to ensure the success of the organization in need.
So that we’re all on board here, this was kind of how it went. Grab napkin, wad in fluffy ball, wipe out chosen glassware. This went on for one, two, three hours (insert laugh), and then roughly 200 dust-offs later, our shift was finished. Pat on back, two claps, and smile!
In only a few short hours we’d transformed from concrete floors and vacant walls, to black tablecloths, green, mossy limbs that led to lilies ready to introduce themselves to the world, and white chef hats confirming the formality of the event…pure extravagance. Our job was done, and we were ready for the evening to begin.
I can’t fully explain the kindness exhibited by the fine ladies here at “Taste of the Nation.” RJ and I were treated to a couple of passes to the event (how tremendous is that!?), and let me be the first to tell ya’, if you want to encourage people to get involved with a cause, the best way to do it, is through their stomachs. With facts regarding child hunger streaming across the screen at the front of the room, tiered platters donning fruit strudels, Italian bruschetta, and various pate’s were scattered throughout, while bold colors of bell peppers and purple onions wrapped from end to end. Chefs poured dressings and accented servings with garnish, as people moved from table to table, enjoying gourmet pizzas with arugula and cherry tomatoes, ice cream samplers, fried philly cheesesteaks with melted cheddar oozing after that first slow-motioned bite (can we all say, “Hello, Texas”), and countless others. The abundance of food allowed us to “ooh” and “ah” as to how the basil complimented the oregano and how the rice enhanced the texture of the fish, but with each bite, we still fully realized some would never experience such an opportunity.
Growing up, I was encouraged to wonder…to wonder about the stars in the sky, bumping noses as I experienced my first real kiss, and the flowing veil I would wear on my wedding day. I learned something in Portland. By the end of the year,17 million children will be forced to wonder as well. Unfortunately, they’ll be forced to wonder where they’ll be able to find their next meal. No time to consider who left a homemade Valentine on their school desk, not able to wonder if they would be the winner in the next Spelling Bee…simply, overwhelmed with the uncertainty of finding food, never able to experience the satisfying feeling of a belly as it grows from small and simple to whole, stretched, complete…the kind of fulfilled that leads to soft pillows, deep sleeps and dreams of long days and easy nights. This awareness creates a terrible reality impossible to ignore, and yet in addressing the issue, we’re able to change it.
Child hunger. It’s an epidemic that affects our young relentlessly, causing weakness, confusion and fear. “Taste of the Nation” and the people involved with this event have forced us to realize the severity of this issue, and has encouraged us to understand that we can make a difference. We can help these children. With time, awareness, and the necessary funds, eventually, their bones will grow strong, their bodies will become tall, and their minds will acquire the knowledge to succeed today, tomorrow and forever. This feat, albeit daunting, is absolutely possible. We can end child hunger, with you, with me, and one serving at a time.
Note: Thanks to Lois, Sue and Sarah for plate, after plate, after plate…absolutely delicious!
