Dream Big: The Pantry of Broward

“TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED.”k - Elizabeth “BJ” Buntroc

Š2012 The Pantry of Broward, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of Dream BIG: The Pantry of Broward may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, but not limited to, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission from The Pantry of Broward, Inc. The Pantry of Broward serves seniors in need on low, fixed-incomes, and grandparents raising their grandchildren, throughout Broward County South Florida. To learn more about The Pantry of Broward, Inc.: 610 N.W. Third Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954.358.1481 Facebook: The Pantry of Broward www.thepantryofbroward.org Writer and Editor: Judith Kolva, Ph.D. Founder/CEO Memoir Shoppe Office phone: 954.759.4531 Mobile phone: 954-856-6646 judith@memoirshoppe.com www.memoirshoppe.com Graphic design and layout services provided by Bespoke History LLC Tom Hostage - Founder and Creative Director Mike Marschke - Designer Printing & bindery services provided by Bespoke History LLC www.bespokehistory.com Photographs courtesy of The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

ii

The Pantry of Broward

Judith Kolva, Ph.D. iii

iv

The Pantry of Broward

Here’s to Dreams

v

Contributors: A heartfelt thank you to:

vi

Steve Adelstein CPA, Chairman, Board of Directors, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

John “Big John� Hames Volunteer Extraordinaire, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Laurina Anderson Life and Success Coach, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; 2012 Dancing with the Stars Contestant

Jim Johnson Margate Post Office, Branch 1071 Union Steward and Food Drive Coordinator for North Broward

Gale Butler Vice President Corporate Affairs, AutoNation, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Co-chair Dancing with the Stars, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Magdalene Johnson Lewis Board of Directors, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Lydya Chapman Director of Volunteers, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Jen Klaassens

Kevin Friel Ambassador, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Penny Loughan Founder/CEO, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Matthew Grant Realtor Associate, Atlantic Properties International; Treasurer, Board of Directors, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Traci Miller Director of Business Development, Miller Construction Company; 2011 Dancing with the Stars Winner

Michael Greenstein Warehouse and Pantry Manager, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Virginia (Ginny) Miller Community Relations Director, Miller Construction Company, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Board of Directors, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.; Co-chair Dancing with the Stars The Pantry of Broward

Vice President of Programs, The Wassi Foundation; 2011 Dancing with the Stars Contestant

Hugh Morris Jr. Vice President, Marks Morris Construction, General Contractor for The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Gloria Stickley Receptionist, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Christy Mullins CEO Platinum Fundraising; Ambassador’s Council Chair, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.; Member of Potential Church

Jerry “J.D.” Walker Painter; Sculptor; Showroom Manager/Buyer, Flowers and Found Objects, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Betty O’Connor-Sawyer Receptionist, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Bernie Weiser Ambassador, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Nathalie Pozo Television Reporter; 2011 Dancing with the Stars Contestant

Ursula Williams Case Manager/Director of Social Services, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Susan Renneisen Director of Special Events, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood; 2012 Dancing with the Stars Winner

Veralynne Williams Founder/Senior Consultant, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Terrence Smalley Director of Marketing and Business Development, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Katrina Wright Senior Vice President, Broward Market Manager Global Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of America; 2012 Dancing with the Stars Contestant

Karen Spigler Attorney at Law, Law Firm of Karen Spigler, LLC, Davie, Fla.; Board of Directors, The Pantry of Broward, Inc.

Gary Stuart Young Manager, Flowers and Found Objects, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Contributors

vii

viii

The Pantry of Broward

CONTENTS In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi Prologue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xv Volunteer Extraordinaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The Backyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 610 N .W . Third Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 THE One and Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Our Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Ancient Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Portable Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Showpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Whoops Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Volunteers Rock! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 The Think Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 C-Noters Plus 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Food Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Y-O-U Are It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Star Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

ix

IN MEMORIAM

BRUCE HARRIS (1955-2010)

xii

The Pantry of Broward

“LIVE LARGE!” -Don Pendleton

What Would Bruce Do? From day one, Bruce Harris was our guiding light, our catalyst, our backbone. Bruce was one of a kind—difficult to describe in mere words. Yet, Active, Comedian, Connected, Dedicated, Driven, Innovative, Involved, Giving, Loveable come to mind. Bruce loved The Pantry. He believed in The Pantry. And because of Bruce, we shot out of the box with a bang. He taught us to dream big. He led us to heights we didn’t know we could reach so quickly. When, in May 2010, Bruce passed from pancreatic cancer we were devastated. Dejected. There were days we missed him so much we cried—days we wondered if we’d still be around tomorrow—days we simply didn’t know what to do.

Sure, Bruce was in a different place—perhaps, a better place. But we knew he was still with us; still guiding us; still cheering us on; still loving us. So when push came to shove, we knew exactly what Bruce would do: he would keep the dream that was born in Penny’s backyard alive; he would work tirelessly to achieve our mission; he would never give up hope. Bruce Harris, we loved you. We will always love you. And in case you look down on us and wonder, we still ask, and will always ask, “What would Bruce do?” Ursula Williams January 2012

Yet, strange as it might seem, our loss encouraged us to press on with even more determination. We bonded more tightly than ever. Day after day, we took baby steps. We showed up with smiles on our faces and our heads held high. We encouraged each other. We helped each other. We supported each other. And when we got really, really stuck, we hugged each other and asked, “What would Bruce do?”

xiii

PROLOGUE

“I DON’T DO NORMAL. I HAVE A REPUTATION TO UP-JoaHOn BaueLDr.” Normal days are, well, normal. The sun rises. People work. They play. They talk. They laugh. They cry. They eat. The sun sets. They sleep. Normal is predictable, even humdrum. Then, there is that normal day that, literally, changes the world. . . . . .

Penny switched off the ignition and waved to BJ. “Come with me, Penny,” BJ said and opened the door to what turned out to be two buildings butted together. The greeting committee was two beat-up desks and six rusty metal chairs that weren’t attractive, even when they were new. Copper littered the floor. Tangled wires dangled from the ceiling. Grease-grimed welding equipment crammed the dingy corners.

Ring, Ring. “Hey, BJ. What’s up?” Penny asked. “Meet me for lunch at 610 Northwest Third Avenue,” BJ answered.

“Ah, excuse me, BJ. This doesn’t look like a restaurant,” Penny said. “It isn’t. I just bought it. You and I are starting a food pantry. We’re going to take care of the elderly and grandparents raising grandkids.”

“On my way.” “BJ! Do you have any idea what you’re doing?” Click. “No. But I figure you do.” That was normal. For more than two years, BJ Buntrock and Penny Loughan had enjoyed lunch together. Twenty minutes later Penny pulled up in front of a cinderblock warehouse. Its roof sagged. Rust pocked its industrial strength rollup doors. Mud puddles, slicked with oil, spilled over ruts in its parking lot. Barbed wire guarded its padlocked gate and shouted, Trouble, with a capital T.

“BJ! The building is a disaster. Everything needs to be fixed.” BJ smiled. “I know, Penny, and YOU are going to fix it.” “Fine, BJ. Just fine.”

xvii

xviii

The Pantry of Broward

1

CHAPTER

VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE

“IT’S EASY TO MAKE A BUCK. IT’S A LOT TOUGHER TO MAKE A DIFFER-TomENBrokCEaw .” The year was 2006. Penny Loughan was the warehouse manager for Broward County’s Cooperative Feeding Program—CFP. The hours were long, and the work was hard. Physical. By the end of the day her back hurt, and she was emotionally drained. But retired Army Sergeant 1st Class Loughan didn’t quit. After all, there were so many people, with so many needs—so much to do, with so few resources.

Had Me From Hello Early one morning, an agency administrator made a rare trip to the warehouse. “Got a minute, Penny?” she asked. Penny shoved the forklift’s operating lever into reverse, stepped on the brake, and climbed out of the cab. “What’s up?”

BJ Buntrock, 2001

“Penny, meet BJ. She’s your new volunteer. BJ, meet Penny. She’s your new supervisor. Have a nice day.”

“Hello, BJ. What if you start by stocking shelves?” “Hello, Penny. Will do,” BJ said and went to work. Penny’s warehouse was neat. Orderly. She insisted on precisely stocked shelves. No exceptions. BJ was enthusiastic but, obviously, needed training. Penny shook her head. “No. No. No. Look, BJ. Little cans aren’t stacked next to big cans. They go over here—like this.” “Okay. Got it,” BJ said and resumed stocking shelves, Penny Loughan style. Before Penny could even power up the forklift, a volunteer hollered, “Hey, Pen, a truck just backed up to the dock. It needs to be unloaded . . . now.” “Coming,” Penny shouted back. Then, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Penny turned around. “I’ll help,” BJ announced.

Penny blinked...twice. In the world of nonprofits volunteers are, well, volunteers. Still, this tiny, frail, senior citizen, wearing navy blue polyester pants, sporting horned-rimmed glasses seemed to be a stretch—a far stretch.

Chapter 1 | Volunteer Extraordinaire

3

Exceptional Volunteer BJ came back the next day . . . and the next day . . . and the next day. After a week or two, no one could imagine CFP without the funny, feisty BJ Buntrock. There was, though, a problem.

Penny remembers: truck was a big box It was summertime. Hot. Really hot. The of cans from a Publix truck loaded with over two hundred bags ler and started handing food drive. I hoisted myself into the trai e. My new volunteer— down the heavy bags. But I wasn’t alon alongside me. seventy-one-year-old BJ—was sweating

The work day started at 7:30 a.m. At first (well, at least for two days) BJ arrived on time. Then, she showed up at 7. Then, 6:30. Then, 6. Then, the cook grabbed Penny by the arm. “Penny! We need to talk. I got here at 5 o’clock this morning, and BJ was already waiting in the parking lot.”

folks sitting on a Next thing I knew, BJ hollered at homeless here and help. Now!” bench, just watching. “Hey! You! Get over It worked. Ike pitched in.

Something had to be done.

r to unload the truck. Even with extra help, it took over an hou huffing and puffing and By then, BJ’s face was beet red. She was g! She’s going to have a soaked from head to toe. I thought: Dan heart attack any second.

“BJ! You can’t get here before the door is unlocked,” Penny said.

hopped down, brushed BJ fooled me. Ike gave her a hand. She de. I expected that I’d the dirt off her pants, and disappeared insi later I was back in the never see her again. But no. Five minutes ng boxes and stacking warehouse, and there was BJ—unpacki cans. and I hit it off. I can’t tell you why, but from day one, BJ I can tell you she had me from hello.

BJ looked at her and smiled her little smile. Something was up. Sure enough, the next morning . . . and the next morning . . . and the next morning BJ pulled her beat-up Toyota into the parking lot at 4 a.m., on the dot. What was Penny to do but throw up her hands and give BJ a key? After all, BJ was an exceptional volunteer.

4

The Pantry of Broward

Veralynne remembers: Shortly after BJ started to volunteer at CFP, Penny perked up. She’d come home and say, “I’ve got this neat new volunteer. She’s this little old lady, but she puts in thirty, maybe forty, hours a week and is always the first one to jump in the truck and help me count stock and unload heavy boxes. Plus, she always has a smile. She’s funny and knows how to make me laugh. BJ and I eat lunch together every day, and to tell you the truth, we’re becoming friends. She has a way about her that makes my life at this place bearable.”

Penny wasn’t the only one who appreciated BJ. One afternoon the CEO called Penny upstairs. “Penny, are you taking good care of BJ?” she asked.

Penny’s Limo Fast forward six weeks . . . CFP owned a forklift—a really, really old forklift. Half the time it wouldn’t even start. Penny’s expletive reverberated from every inch of the 5,000-square-foot warehouse. “You !*#! forklift.” Volunteers knew the drill: SCATTER!

“I take good care of all my volunteers.” “No, Penny. Are you taking really good care of BJ?”

One morning BJ had enough. “Penny! I want you to buy a new forklift.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll get right on it, BJ. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

“Good. Do you know who BJ is?”

Three days later BJ said, “Penny! Where’s the new forklift?”

“NO. I don’t care who BJ is. She shows up every morning. She works harder than anyone. I don’t need to know anything else about her.” Penny spun on her heel and slammed the door behind her . . . So there.

“Get real, BJ. Do you really think the CEO is going to let me buy a new forklift?” “I’ll take care of that,” BJ answered.

Chapter 1 | Volunteer Extraordinaire

5

BJ marched upstairs, tracked down the CEO, and wrote a check. “This is for Penny. Make sure she buys a new forklift.” The next morning the CEO called Penny upstairs. “You need to buy a new forklift.” “Oh, REALLY?” “Yes. BJ wrote a check for twenty grand. Can you find one for less?” “I have no idea. I guess you will have to check it out.” Three days later BJ said, “Penny! Where’s the new forklift?”

Matthew says: BJ is a pragmatic woman. When she sees a need, she’s dogged. Nothing –NOT A THING—stops BJ from solving problems. Whether someone needs money or help of another kind, she’s all over it.

More BJ didn’t stop with the forklift. She bought a fence.

“I don’t know. Talk to the CEO,” Penny answered. She bought shelves. BJ huffed off.

Penny remembers:

Penny stacked cans. The very next morning a big rig pulled up to the loading dock. HONK! HONK! HONK! The driver climbed out of the cab. He shoved a delivery ticket under Penny’s nose. He handed her a pen. “It’s for you. Sign here.” “What in the . . .” Before Penny could finish her sentence the driver yanked open the rig’s back door. There, in all its glory, sat a shiny new forklift . . . Penny’s Limo. And BJ? Well, BJ just grinned and stacked cans.

6

We were getting ready for a nationwide post office drive. I knew we’d get lots of food, but I had no idea what to do with it because our warehouse was a mess. Well, CFP couldn’t afford new shelves, so somehow, someone mentioned the problem to BJ. The next thing I knew I was told to show up at the warehouse at 9 o’clock Saturday morning. Okay. Fine. Whatever. I arrived to find BJ standing in the parking lot next to an 18-wheeler loaded with shelving. Within five hours, the warehouse was fitted with new shelves. BJ paid. And that was that.

The Pantry of Broward

Enough

Gary says:

Enough was enough. Penny learned to keep problems to herself. The minute BJ got word that something—anything—needed to be fixed or replaced she was on it like a bird on a bug.

BJ is a very compassionate woman. But, to BJ, helping people means so much more than simply writing a check. She loves to be directly engaged with whatever she does.

Ginny says: That’s typical BJ. She is a goodhearted woman, and when she sees a problem, she finds a solution and jumps in with both feet.

Early one morning Penny was called upstairs . . . again. “Penny, tell BJ we need a new computer system. Come on. She’s your friend. She likes you. She’ll do anything for you. AND she has money.” “I have no idea if BJ has money or if she doesn’t have money. And I DON’T CARE.”

A few years ago she got involved with Habitat for Humanity. In typical BJ style, she baked cookies to share with other volunteers. Then, hot as it was, she climbed on the roof and nailed shingles.

J.D. Says: BJ is full of great ideas, and to BJ anything is possible. She doesn’t set many limits for herself or others. One day she said to me, “I’m on my way to the airport.” When I asked her where she was going, she said, “Nowhere. I’m getting my pilot’s license.” Whatever she wants to do she finds a way of doing it, and she has a big network of amazing people who are more than willing to help her make her dreams come true.

“But, Penny. You don’t get it. This woman is BJ Buntrock Huizenga. It’s nothing for her to write a check.” “Good for her. I’m glad. But that’s not the point. To me she’s just my friend BJ. She’s a good volunteer. She makes me laugh. I like her. That’s enough. I will not ask her to buy a single thing.”

Chapter 1 | Volunteer Extraordinaire

7

8

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

2

THE BACKYARD

“LIFE IS WHAT WE MAKE IT, ALWAYS HAS BEEN, ALWAYS WILL BE.” - Grandma Moses As happens, circumstances change . . . one thing leads to another . . . good becomes great. A powerful, but often unrecognized, marvel of change is that it doesn’t occur only when suits sit around a polished, mahogany conference table, in a prim-and-proper board room, exchanging platitudes.

Something Missing Summertime in South Florida is hot. Humid. Even normally lazy dogs and even lazier cats become more languid.

Wrong Way Corrigan

During the summer of 2006, there was only one thing that motivated Penny’s cats to stir: a visit from BJ. After all, BJ was the treat lady.

No question. BJ loves cats. But cats weren’t the only thing on her mind when she showed up in Penny’s backyard: BJ and Penny acknowledged that CFP was (and still is) a good program. For over twenty years, it has served the hungry and homeless.

Penny remembers: CFP takes care of everybody—families, children, elderly, homeless, even sick people. When you do too much, you’re spread too thin, and everybody loses. BJ and I were convinced that fixed-income elderly and grandparents raising grandchildren fell through the cracks. They were neglected. Even forgotten. We were frustrated. So in 2006, BJ distributed a survey in Broward County to determine the real needs. The returns were staggering: at the time, Broward County had 340,000 fixed income seniors and almost 24,000 children living in grandparent-headed households; the top three needs were food, medicine, and housing.

Dreaming So evening after evening, BJ, Penny, and Veralynne sat in a circle, under the overhead fan, on the patio in Penny’s backyard, talking. Dreaming.

Still, something was wrong. Something was missing.

Chapter 2 | The Backyard

11

Veralynne remembers:

Steve says:

BJ and Penny couldn’t stand to see seniors on low fixed incomes and grandparents raising grandchildren cast aside.

If (heaven help me) I slapped a sticker on BJ’s bumper it would read INDEPENDENT. BJ bases her independence on astute due diligence. She gets an idea. She reads and researches. Then, she talks with people she respects, and she listens — really listens.

Remember: This is a generation of proud people who worked hard their entire lives. In their era, women stayed home and raised kids. If the man earned $10,000 a year, the family lived on Easy Street. There was no such thing as a 401K. And investments? Some did. Most didn’t. They expected to work until they were sixty-five, get their gold watch, retire, and die at seventy. That was it. Done. Gone. But life didn’t turn out that way. They outlived their money. They never had to ask for help, so they don’t know how to work the system. They get stuck in bureaucratic red tape. And computers? Well, they barely survived microfiche. To this generation, a mouse is a furry animal that eats cheese. Anyway, for months, BJ and Penny kicked around ideas and dreamed about opening their own pantry—a pantry that would meet distinct needs.

But once BJ reaches a conclusion, she doesn’t change her mind easily. And, if need be, she’ll call the President of the United States and convince him to help her move mountains, whatever they might be. One evening BJ, Penny, and Veralynne settled into their usual chairs on the patio. They barely had time to sip their cocktails before BJ reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of papers. “I was busy today,” BJ said. “I filed 5013C papers for our pantry. I wanted to call it The Pantry, but that name was already taken, so we’re going to call it The Pantry of Broward.” Silence. “You are going to help me, Pen . . . aren’t you?”

Penny’s Bible BJ Buntrock has never been one to sit back and watch the world whiz by. She is determined. Relentless. Once she gets an idea—even if it is just a dream—well, watch out, world. Here comes BJ.

12

Karen says: You can’t say NO to BJ. You just can’t. I’ve admired her for years. If BJ said, “Follow me, Karen. We’re jumping off that cliff,” I’d be right behind her. And you know what? We’d land on our feet, safe and sound.

The Pantry of Broward

True to form, the very next day Penny drove to Barnes and Noble and shelled out fifty bucks for The Nonprofit Kit for Dummies—a resource that became known far and wide as “Penny’s Bible.”

Let Me Think It isn’t easy to balance a clipboard on your lap, scribble notes, and ward off a wrinkled (but beautiful) fiftypound Shar-Pei AND a slobbery (but loveable) hundredthirty-pound Saint Bernard, who insist they’re lap dogs. Still, BJ, Penny, and Veralynne persisted.

The Lap Dogs: Riley & Asia (a.k.a. “Bratwurst”)

“BJ! Let me get this straight. When you decided to open this pantry had you ever started a business?”

Veralynne remembers: Truth be told, we knew zippo—ZILCH—about starting a nonprofit. So, eventually, we invited other people to our backyard meetings. Kelly Harris was our graphic designer. Our first job was to select colors. Then, we drove to Publix, bought food, and set up a big display table right in the backyard. Kelly, then, snapped the pictures we used to design our logo, stationery, and envelopes. With that behind us, Kelly registered our name, set up our database, and created our forms. Diana Grey was also invaluable. She worked in the medical field for years, so she was familiar with collecting and legally documenting client information. Evening after evening, Diana left her “real job” early and helped us write job descriptions, organize files, and set up our front desk area. After our database was operational, Diana and her sister, Elaine Juarez, devoted many Saturdays to keyboarding donors and clients into the system.

“Well, I started Hospice, and . . .” “Good!” Penny interrupted. “And did you have lots of help?” “Yep. I did.”

BJ & Kelly

“My point exactly. I have no clue what we’re doing. Don’t you think we need a little help here?” “Yeah, Pen. I do. . . . Let me think.”

Chapter 2 | The Backyard

13

Long To Do List

Biggest Deal

Each evening, something different demanded attention.

Everything was important. Everything was urgent. Everything was, well, a big deal.

Each evening, BJ left with a long To Do list: But the biggest deal on BJ’s list was:

FORM BOARD OF DIRECTORS! Find accountant Open checking account Set up bookkeeping system Find lawyer Write by-laws

Steve remembers: BJ formed her Board of Directors based on relationships, not The Pantry’s concept. It didn’t matter if she was producing widgets or whirligigs. We agreed because we respect and honor BJ. We volunteered our time because we wanted to volunteer our time. The new Board met as often as three times a week, but BJ’s MO is “Get It Done, NOW,” and we knew we were privileged to help her.

Write articles of incorporation Find architect Find builder

14

The Pantry of Broward

Matthew remembers:

Karen remembers

One morning, BJ approached me and said, “I discovered a real need in our community, and I’m going to help.” I’ve been around BJ since the early ’80s and know it’s her nature to jump in and solve problems, so I wasn’t surprised.

Without exception, the people BJ asked to sit on her Board were enthusiastic. Engrossed. We didn’t agree because we wanted prestige, a feather in our caps, or enhanced resumes. We agreed because we wanted to help BJ.

The next thing I knew BJ shoved a signature card across the table. “Here. Sign this,” she said. “I’m starting a nonprofit agency and want you to be the treasurer on my Board of Directors.”

From our very first meeting, we were a working Board—active, engaged, committed. We knew we faced challenges and had problems to solve. So we hit the ground running.

I wasn’t exactly sure what BJ was up to, but I trust her. I’d do anything for her. I didn’t think twice. I signed and never looked back.

Kelly, Veralynne & Penny

Chapter 2 | The Backyard

15

16

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

3

610 N.W. THIRD AVENUE

“IF YOU BUILD IT, HE WILL COME.” -From “Field of Dreams” “Well, it’s a real mess. But BJ looked all over Broward County, and this building is only two blocks from the main bus terminal and the neighborhood is perfect for what we plan to do.

Ring, Ring. “Bob DeCamillo, here.” “Bob. This is Penny Loughan. How are you? “Doin’ well . . . doin’ well. And you?” “I’ve been really, really, really busy lately. You see, Bob, BJ Buntrock just bought this filthy old warehouse at 610 Northwest Third Avenue. You know . . . off Sistrunk Boulevard.” “Yeah?”

Anyway, I need to turn it into The Pantry of Broward, so we can feed the elderly and take care of grandparents raising grandkids. And you’re my friend. And I need an architect. And I was . . .” “Penny! I’m in. Tell me what you want.” “No, Bob. That’s your job. The building is 8,000 square feet. I need some offices. I need a conference room. I need a warehouse. Go to it.” “No, Penny. That’s not how it works. You have to give me a layout. You have to tell me what you want. You know... ceiling height, number of offices, their size. What features do you want in your conference room? How many square feet do you want in your warehouse? How . . .” “Bob! Enough already!” Penny interrupted. “Isn’t that the architect’s job?” “It is. After. You tell me what you want. I give you a plan. You take it to your construction company. They do the work.” “Fine! Well, okay. Thanks.” Click.

Chapter 3 | 610 N.W. Third Avenue

19

Penny remembers:

TOO LATE

After my first conversation with Bob DeCamillo, I’m going: Dang!

But Penny’s woes weren’t over . . . Each day, she drove to the construction site.

But I did it . . . I looked at the building again and decided I wanted it to be one building instead of two. So Hugh Morris Junior showed me what walls could be removed without spoiling the integrity. Then, I bought big sheets of butcher block paper, pencils, lots of erasers, and started to draw little boxes and rough in what I wanted.

Each day, she watched the progress. Each day, she warded off the peanut gallery. Penny! Your offices are too small. Penny! You can’t build a conference room without walls.

When I showed my sketch to Bob, he said, “This is a good place to start. I’ll get something more formal to you. But, actually, this is pretty good.”

Penny! Your layout is all wrong.

I’m going: YES!

Penny! You can’t separate your walk-in cooler from your freezer, even if it does save energy.

After Bob finished his blueprints, BJ and I looked them over. We made a couple changes. BJ signed off. And Marks Morris Construction went to work.

Penny! Have you lost your mind? Penny! . . . Penny! . . . Penny! . . . Penny! Most people would run away and join the circus—today. But Penny? Well, she’s not “most people.” Penny took a deep breath, gathered her shaky confidence, and announced, “TOO LATE.”

20

The Pantry of Broward

Penny remembers:

“That sounds bright and green. Do it. Now I’ve have to . . .”

Everyone. And I mean EV-REYONE told me my design was all wrong. I was very nervous. But as Hugh Morris Junior and his crew started putting up walls I’m going: This doesn’t look too bad. Actually, it’s pretty darn good.

“Ah, Penny. Hold your horses. Let me tell you about doorknobs. You see, when you turn the doorknob . . .” “Hugh! A doorknob is a doorknob. Pick one.”

Penny remembers: BJ has been friends with Hugh Morris Senior and Hugh Morris Junior for years. She trusted them. I trusted them. They made great decisions.

Pick One Well, darn good or not didn’t mean Penny was finished making decisions. Week after week, Hugh Morris Senior did his best to be patient . . . “Now, Penny,” Hugh said. “This catalog has forty-five pages of light switches and twenty-five pages of light bulbs. Take a look. I’ll come back next week and explain the difference. I want to be sure . . .” “Hugh! I don’t have time for a course in light switches and light bulbs. Make it bright. Make it green. You’ve been in this business a long time. You’re good. You decide.”

I did, though, insist on big windows in all the offices and an open conference room. People complain that nonprofits aren’t transparent. They aren’t friendly. They aren’t open. I wanted us to be different. One day a Board member asked me, “How can we possibly hold a Board meeting in a conference room without walls?” I said, “Look. Our books are open. Our Board is open. Our employees are open. I want everybody who walks into our building to have a warm feeling. I want us to be friendly, not stuffy like the social security office where everyone hides behind closed doors.”

“Well, Penny, what if the lights turn on when you walk in the room and turn off five minutes after you leave? It won’t cost you any more than fluorescent lights,” Hugh suggested.

Chapter 3 | 610 N.W. Third Avenue

21

Hugh Morris Junior remembers: I’ll never forget the first meeting I had with BJ, Penny, and Steve Adelstein, who was our main contact for the project. We sat on rusty folding chairs around a metal folding table in what was then a dirty, dark, industrial warehouse jam-packed with grimy welding equipment. The walls and floors were beat-up concrete. Strip lights dangled from the ceiling. The air conditioner was a small, ineffective wall unit. Anyone who saw the building back then would have had a hard time imagining the clean, open, friendly building it is today. But BJ, Penny, and Steve knew what they wanted; we had good plans; our subcontractors did a great job. There was, though, something that blew me away: early every morning, BJ walked the site and picked up trash— nasty stuff most people wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. My crew and I were impressed to see an owner care enough about the community and the neighborhood to personally clean up her area.

Prophetic As the building took shape, excitement escalated. Well . . . “Follow me,” BJ said to her new Board. “Here’s our conference room . . . and our staffs’ offices are over here . . . and our lobby is over here . . . and our front office is over here . . . and our warehouse is over here . . . and . . . ” Silence. Arms crossed. Lips pursed. Eyes glassed-over. Houston! We have a problem. Big John

Karen remembers: Around mid-February of 2008, BJ gave the Board a tour of the building. The warehouse was gutted, and four concrete block walls surrounded a big empty space. The roof didn’t fit, and a huge overhead door hung from who knew what. The Board, frankly, had a hard time visualizing what BJ saw. Even blueprints didn’t help. So BJ asked Big John to lay out the rooms with tape so we could walk through what, to us, was just a big empty space and get a feel for what the finished building would look like. Unlike her Board, BJ saw everything in her mind’s eye. She had a vision, and her vision was prophetic.

22

The Pantry of Broward

Unsurpassed

Solid Foundation

While BJ handled the Board, Penny worried about other things. LOTS of other things . . . She had staff to hire, volunteers to recruit, food to find, clients to service, news to announce.

So . . . Official 5013C signed, sealed, delivered . . . check. Board of Directors functioning . . . check.

Ursula remembers: Penny wanted everything just so— second to none. She had so much to do most people wouldn’t know where to start. But Penny was smart. She asked people with proven skills to help her. I have over twenty years’ experience with social service and nonprofits, so way before the building was finished Penny asked me many, many questions about the human side of The Pantry: funding, case management, nutrition, client growth, job descriptions, hiring staff, finding volunteers. The list went on. AND Penny listened. She learned. She labored. She took on a monumental task, and turned The Pantry into what it is today—unsurpassed.

Hugh Morris Jr.

Job descriptions written . . . check. Staff hired . . . check. Policies and procedures in place . . . check. Still, the To Do list got longer by the hour. And BJ? Well, BJ has many virtues, but patience is not at the top of the list. Some suggest it isn’t even a blip on her radar screen.

Matthew remembers: BJ didn’t want to sit around waiting for our building to be finished. So in November of 2007, I helped her rent a small, open warehouse on Northwest Second Avenue. Boy was it a mess. No bathroom. No air conditioning. No one cared. We were ready to get to work.

Chapter 3 | 610 N.W. Third Avenue

23

Veralynne remembers: The Board of Directors held its first meetings in an old, decrepit warehouse. I wanted to do my part, so I baked muffins. Like Domino’s, I delivered. Unlike Domino’s, I didn’t grab my tip, say “Thank you very much,” and drive away. BJ sent me outside to guard cars because the area was, well, not so great.

Steve remembers: BJ was rarin’ to go, so we held our first Board meetings before our building was even finished. We sat around a metal table in the middle of an old warehouse and formulated ideas. Truth be told, few, if any, of the first Board members had served on a nonprofit Board before. Still, we saw a real need, so being enthusiastic, community activists, we rolled up our sleeves and went to work. Phil Shailer, our first chairman, was a retired lawyer who made The Pantry, literally, his full-time job. Phil ensured that The Pantry was founded on proper rules and regulations—that it was protected. He guided the Board, so we made solid, accurate decisions. As time passed, the Board received a scholarship from the Community Development Foundation and devoted many hours to learning how to become a better Board and how to comply with the myriad of nonprofit regulations. Yes. The Board evolved. But Phil Shailer gets full credit for building a solid foundation.

24

The Pantry of Broward

Official

Karen remembers

As happens, permits and variances take time, and, well, red tape. Finally, BJ waved the visional use permit announced, “We’re ficial! We can open doors in July 2008.”

proand ofour

With that, Maureen Esposito, who at the time was the director of Fort Lauderdale’s Air & Sea Show, went to work and planned a grand opening.

Humble After our grand opening, everyone was excited, especially BJ. She arrived at four o’clock in the morning and worked until whenever. Sure, BJ was the financier. But she was humble. Never once did she assume the attitude: I am the benefactress. Therefore, I have a high and mighty role. She stuffed envelopes, made copies, wrote notes. She cleaned, moved furniture, stacked cans. BJ reminded me of the Little Red Hen: whatever needed to be done she did it herself. BJ bought chairs for our conference room from Habitat for Humanity. She was proud of them. She was proud of our new table. So before the Board even had a chance to glance at the agenda, BJ passed out little coasters that she’d cut out of paper and said, “Here! Set your coffee cups on these. I don’t want rings on our new table.” Some people might think these tasks are below a founder. Not BJ. She did anything and everything to make us better.

Chapter 3 | 610 N.W. Third Avenue

25

Thank You One and All

Penny says:

Well. Well.

Well. We did it. But we didn’t do it alone. We couldn’t. We had lots of help along the way. I’m thankful for every second of work, every piece of advice, every word of encouragement.

Dreams. Big dreams. Bigger dreams. Even BIGGEST dreams, born in a backyard, really do come true.

We had a great architect. Bob DeCamillo designed the entire building and didn’t charge us a dime. We had a great construction company. We didn’t know what we were doing and could have been ripped off. But Hugh Morris Junior and Hugh Morris Senior are the nicest, most honest people I’ve met in a long time. They’re good family people who will do anything for their friends. Case in point: they put up with me. AND they came in on time and under budget.

Hugh Morris, Sr. Bob DeCamillo

Hugh Morris, Jr.

26

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

4

THE ONE AND ONLY

“SUPPORTING LIFE WHILE PROVIDING RESOURCES” -The Pantry of Broward “Lydya,” Bruce said, “My radio interview is at two o’clock. Gotta’ leave now. You’re on your own. OKAY?”

Lydya remembers:

“OKAY. No worries. I’m working on my volunteer database. You’ll only be gone a couple hours. What can possibly happen in two hours? Bye, Bruce.”

I’ll never forget our first client. Bruce, who spoke fluent Spanish, was out of the office when the phone rang. The caller, Senor Carlos Tejeda, spoke only Spanish.

“Bye, Lydya.”

Well, somehow, in my best Spanglish, I managed to muddle through. “Senor Harris return-o your telephon-o call prompt-o. . . . ¿Comprende? . . . . Si. . . . Bueno!. . . . Ahhh, chow.”

Fast forward five minutes . . . Ring, Ring. “Good morning. Pantry of Broward. Lydya speaking. How can I help you?” “Buenos dias, Senora. Me llamo Carlos Tejeda. Necesuto su ayuda. Me dijeron que ustedes ayudan a ansianos de bajos ingresos. ¿Es sierto?

I felt like I knew where to step but wasn’t sure if the rock was solid. We were still operating out of the old warehouse, and Ursula wasn’t even onboard yet. But as soon as Bruce returned we arranged to complete Senor Tejeda’s paperwork and give him a food box. Come to find out Senor Tejeda was a ninetythree-year-old Guatemalan surgeon—a proud gentleman—who came to the United States to head the Hispanic Tuberculosis Control Program for the Chicago Lung Association. Like most clients he never expected to need help from an organization like The Pantry. He just outlived his money. Today, five years later, Mr. Tejeda is still our client. On his ninety-fifth birthday we ordered a cake, bought gifts, and gave him a surprise birthday party. He cried. We cried. He is thankful for us. We are thankful we can support him.

Senor Tejeda

Chapter 4 | THE One and Only

29

Support Support is the operative word. Over the course of only five years The Pantry of Broward has supported hundreds of clients—clients with unique needs.

Karen explains: There are charities that feed the homeless— charities that help children—charities that aid cancer patients—charities that support pets—the list goes on. The Pantry of Broward is the one and only charity in Broward County—actually, the one and only identified charity in the United States—that supports two groups of forgotten people: senior citizens (60 and older) who live on low, fixed incomes (less than, approximately, $800 a month) and grandparents (any age) who are the principal care providers for their grandchildren. Our clients are retirees who worked hard their entire lives, expecting to live their golden years comfortably. This generation—the proud, responsible, pay-cash-as-you-go generation—never expected to need help. Instead, they expected to give help. Then, suddenly, for a variety of unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, they inherited their grandchildren, which is a huge expense and overwhelming responsibility.

30

There are three principles we reiterate to each client: Number One: YOU DID NOTHING WRONG. You planned diligently. It is not your fault that Wall Street hit bottom and hauled your retirement pension with it. Number Two: YOU ARE NOT BEGGING. You worked hard your entire life. It is your right to receive help. You are not doing it for yourself. You are doing it for your grandkids. You had enough money to take care of yourself. You could have turned those kids away—sent them to foster care. You didn’t. You took them in and loved them. Number Three: YOU ARE FAMILY. Once you are part of The Pantry’s family, we are here for you. We support you, so you can raise your grandkids and send them out the door to be successful, independent, contributing citizens.

The Pantry of Broward

BUT!

Fifteen personal thank you notes must be mailed, today . . .

Lines.

The auditors show up, unexpected . . .

You know—those snaky things you wait in, forever.

Then

The average person wastes about an hour a day waiting in line. Do the math. If you live to be, say, eighty-five that’s 31,025 hours—three-and-a-half years—of your life wasted waiting in line.

The front door opens. An elderly woman steps into the lobby. She is crying. Betty stops writing. She smiles. “Good Morning. How can I help you, ma’am?”

Not a pretty picture. “My three grandbabies are hungry. One is sick. I’m down to my last five dollars in the world. I don’t know how I can even buy milk. My friend—well, my friend told me about The Pantry. I was wondering if—if, well, maybe...”

Then, there’s The Pantry of Broward . . . Monday Morning 9 a.m.

Betty takes the woman’s hand. She leads her to a chair. “Please sit here a minute, ma’am. I’ll be right back.”

A car loaded with food pulls up to the warehouse, not a volunteer in sight . . .

Betty pokes her head through Ursula’s open door. Ursula looks up from her paperwork. “Yes?”

Five clients need food boxes, right now . . . “Excuse me, Miss Williams. I know you’re busy. BUT!” The computer system hiccups, again . . . A potential donor requests a tour, finally . . . Phones ring, off the hook . . . A grant with a looming deadline sits on Penny’s desk, half written . . . The next event is, well, right around the corner . . .

Chapter 4 | THE One and Only

31

Welcome

Ursula says:

Betty says:

At The Pantry, BUT! is a code word. If there is an emergency, everything stops immediately and we love on whomever needs our help. Usually, people have been so bumped around they expect to hear yet another negative word. So when they hear me say, “We’ll take care of you,” they come back with, “When is that?” And when I tell them that is today they say, “You mean I’m going to get a food box today?” I say, “Of course you are.” Or if I say, “I’m sorry. You don’t fit The Pantry’s qualifications, but I can give you an emergency food box to tide you over and make a call to refer you to another agency,” they can’t believe it. They’ve never before been treated so professionally—so kindly.

Sure I’m “busy.” We all are. Still, clients are our top priority. We make them feel comfortable. Welcome. Special. They are always greeted with a smile and friendly, Good Morning or Good Afternoon. We offer coffee or tea to adults and goodies to the children. Seniors need to know somebody understands—somebody is willing to listen to their burdens—so we sit and talk about everyday things. Whatever it takes, we let them know they are part of our Pantry family.

Everyone walks out our door knowing we care. That, alone, sparks smiles.

32

The Pantry of Broward

Our Miss Margo

Stories

Michael says Our clients are from every profession imaginable—retired doctors, lawyers, factory workers, real estate agents, you name it. We even have a former fashion designer. We love them all. Our approach is very personal, so clients become our friends—our family. They trust us. Like us. Respect us. SO, when they pick up their food they love to sit and tell us their stories.

Dignified

Gloria says

And my, my, what stories they have . . . .

People find The Pantry through word of mouth, or they call 2-1-1 (a 24/7 Broward County help line that refers people to nonprofits). We do such a good job word gets around. Basically, people apply for services over the phone. Betty or I complete a short intake application, and if they qualify, we set an appointment to see our case manager. Our clients never wait in lines. They are not numbers. They are dignified, honorable people who deserve to be treated as such.

Before I went to The Pantry, the little money I had was coming in from Social Security, and it all went to pay the rent, so there was nothing for food. The people I lived with took advantage of me. They took my five hundred dollars a month and wouldn’t even give me a receipt. Then they stole my stuff. The Pantry helped me get a new apartment, and when I got here it was empty except for the stove and refrigerator. But I was happy because I wasn’t in that terrible place. I put my blankets on the floor and said, “I’m not homeless now.” Then in about a month The Pantry helped me get a bed to sleep on, linens, towels, just everything. Without The Pantry I would be in a homeless shelter. They saved my life.

Miss Juana & Michael

Chapter 4 | THE One and Only

33

My daughter was stabbed eighteen times when she was eight months pregnant with Julius. Food from The Pantry makes a big difference because I’m not getting any other help, and Julius and my two other grandsons eat like bears and elephants.

Just about a year ago it fell upon me to take care of my eight-yearold grandson. It’s like having to start a family over again—school products, extra food, extra showers, driving him here and there. I needed to spend more and more. I live on my social security, and the money started running out. The Pantry helped me with food, and they helped me get clothing for the little guy to wear to school. They were a Godsend, and every day I thank God for The Pantry. If it wasn’t for them I don’t know where I’d be.

The people who work for The Pantry have a heart.

34

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

5

OUR KIDS

“A SMILE IS A CURVE THAT SETS EVERYTHING STRAIGHT.” -Phyllis Diller

Matthew says: At the end of the day it gets down to the kids. Finally, the grandparents in Broward County have a resource that makes sure their grandkids don’t go to bed hungry. We can’t turn our backs on these children. We just can’t.

A picture is worth a thousand words . . .

Chapter 5 | Our Kids

37

38

The Pantry of Broward

Chapter 5 | Our Kids

39

40

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

6

ANCIENT WISDOM

“GIVE A MAN A FISH; FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH; FEED HIM FOR A LIFETIME.” -Lao Tzu Wisdom?

Solutions

Ursula says:

In the beginning, we were just a food pantry. As we developed, we observed that, although food is important, our clients need more. We refused, however, to be just another referral ground or a Band-Aid. So we decided to provide case management and offer solutions to problems. That decision led us to collaborate and partner with other agencies—to develop a strong community of agencies that solves problems, raises people out of unfortunate situations, and helps them feel better about themselves.

Hummm? When in doubt, turn to your trusty, tattered Webster’s:

When Veralynne Williams suggested that The Pantry’s tag line replicate the “good sense, wise, ancient, course of action” taught by Lao Tzu, did she actually consult Mr. Webster?

We decided to invite representatives from agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and Legal Aid to The Pantry and provide our clients with training on their rights and responsibilities—with tools to navigate the complex, bureaucratic systems. We decided to teach life-skills classes that help clients cope with daily stressors. We decided to offer counseling services that guide clients through the complexities of generational differences. It is very, very important for citizens of Broward County, and beyond, to understand the power of The Pantry’s continuum of services. There is a BIG difference between enabling and empowering. At The Pantry, we empower our clients.

Maybe. Maybe not. Whatever. The Pantry’s “Teach a man to fish” model is powerful. It is unique. It is, well, empowering.

In other words, as we say at The Pantry: “We DO NOT simply give our clients a fish and feed them for a day. We DO teach them how to fish, which, literally, feeds them for a lifetime.” And THAT is wisdom personified.

Chapter 6 | Ancient Wisdom

43

Live Without Us

Lydya adds: There are misconceptions about The Pantry. Many people think we are only a food bank. It’s true that we give out 25,000 pounds of food each month. But we do so much more.

Psychological Need

Matthew tells a story: The Pantry’s “Teach a man to fish” model is typical BJ. Let me tell you a story: When we moved into our building, a woman named Mary lived in the neighborhood. Every morning Mary walked the property and picked up garbage. BJ paid Mary. Mary is BJ’s friend. BJ could simply give her friend money. She didn’t. Mary needed to do something to earn the money. That is typical BJ. Yes. BJ is VERY generous. But she is NOT an open wallet. BJ is aware that people have a psychological need to learn how to take personal responsibility for improving their lives.

44

Sure, we could simply give clients a food box and send them on their way. BUT if they don’t learn how to help themselves, they’ll eat from the box and the food will be gone. Then what? Then, they’ll be right back where they started. Because we provide our clients with tools and resources— because we educate them about their rights and responsibilities—they learn how to take care of themselves. When they can take care of themselves, they become empowered. Their lives are less stressful and more meaningful. Enriched. The truth is we want our clients to learn how to live without us.

The Pantry of Broward

S-U-C-C-E-S-S

Meet Sherry:

That’s the way to spell Success!!!

Sherry is a forty-three-year-old grandmother of a toddler. Sherry came to The Pantry to get assistance obtaining legal custody of her granddaughter. Two months prior she was laid off from her job and was struggling to care for her grandchild who needed heart surgery. Sherry was overwhelmed. She couldn’t pay her mortgage, so her property was about to go into foreclosure. The Pantry’s case manager helped her make arrangements to pay her mortgage and gave her a food box. Sherry was then referred to Legal Services, where she learned how to fill adoption papers. One month later, Sherry found a new job and her granddaughter received lifesaving heart surgery. After three months, Sherry was back on her feet, with full legal custody of her granddaughter.

Meet Betty: Betty is seventy-two. After working hard her whole life and dreaming about an easier life in her golden years, she realized she would never make it on $210 per month from Social Security. After her brief retirement, Betty returned to work in the mortgage industry but was laid off due to the struggling economy. Soon she couldn’t pay her own mortgage and other bills. Betty contacted The Pantry and asked for help—something that was very hard for her, and other seniors, to do. The Pantry’s case manager helped her enroll in an employment program for seniors. Betty is now gainfully employed as a receptionist at The Pantry, where she loves to help herself AND others.

Chapter 6 | Ancient Wisdom

45

Meet Maxine: It is widely reputed that Maxine wore dancing shoes instead of booties. By age seven, she was a dancer for the CBS TV show “Star Time Kids.” During high school, she was in three Broadway musicals, and a TV project called “OMNIBUS.” The Pantry’s Services Immediately after her high-school graduation, Maxine married and became the stay-at-home-mother of three children. The marriage didn’t last, but the ever-enterprising Maxine supported herself and three children by relying on knitting and clothes-designing skills. She called her new company Mocha Moir and was soon kitting for Eartha Kitt, the Betty Davis Stores, and Pierre Cardin. Eventually, Maxine took a job as a recreation aide for the Blind and Disabled School. On one fateful trip, while riding in an ambulance with one of her charges, a truck careened into them, resulting in severe back injuries for Maxine. The death of her daughter, protracted back pain, and crippling arthritis combined with the frigid New York City winters brought Maxine to Florida. A slip and fall in her home resulted in a broken wrist and arm. Maxine was now a virtual prisoner in her own home. Fortunately, Maxine was referred to The Pantry where she received a food box, and the case worker helped her apply for food stamps, obtain medical coverage, receive her medication, and pay her light bill. Maxine is now a new woman with a new enterprise: making one-of-a-kind hand-sewn Christmas ornaments that she sells online. Of course, this requires computer skills—skills that Maxine doesn’t have. Does that stop Maxine? No way. The Pantry helped her enroll in an adult computer class, where she is learning “how to fish.”

• Health & Nutrition • Meal Planning • The Diabetic Lifestyle • How to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck in the Grocery Store • Kids: Cook with Grandma (or Grandpa) • Physical Fitness • Budgeting Skills • Banking Skills • Computer Skills � Professional financial advising � Medical services, including on-site blood work � Physician referral � Dental referral � Optical referral � Legal advice and education � Insurance rights and responsibilities � Social Security rights and responsibilities � Medicare and Medicaid rights and responsibilities � Food stamp education � Counseling � After-school tutoring � Health fairs

As we say at The Pantry, “You go, girl!”

46

� Classes

The Pantry of Broward

The Pantry’s Partnerships � Housing Authority (HUD) � Jewish Family Services � Kinship Care � Children’s Aid Society � Kids in Distress � Career Connection of Broward � Experience Works Florida � Hairstylists for Humanity � Can-Teens � Short on Thyme � The Broward Coalition on Aging

The Pantry offers seniors health education and free osteoporosis tests, glucose tests, and blood pressure readings.

� The Pet Project � Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists � Children’s Services Council of Broward County � Small Business Booking Solutions, Inc. � Feeding South Florida � Florida Department of Elder Affairs � Hearing Your Voice: A Guide to Your Dependency Court Case � The Relative Care Giver Foundation � The Florida Kinship Center � Consumer Resource Guide for the Elderly � FLIPANY � Urban League � Bank Atlantic

Chapter 6 | Ancient Wisdom

47

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BROWARD’S FOR GOOD AWARDS CELEBRATE ENCORE CAREERS $50,000 awarded to three individuals using their retirement to give back to their community

(Fort Lauderdale, February 14, 2012) – Elizabeth “BJ” Buntrock has been named the winner of the 2012 For Good Awards by the Community Foundation of Broward.

Congressional Award from Congressman Alcee Hastings

BJ & Sherriff Al Lamberti

BJ Buntrock Buntrock, 77, was honored for her work supporting seniors in Broward who survive on low, fixed incomes, particularly grandparents who are raising grandchildren. In her “encore career” Buntrock opened the doors to The Pantry of Broward to provide food and support services to seniors. As the ultimate winner, BJ received $30,000 to invest in the Pantry of Broward. Buntrock accepted her award in front of 650 guests at the Signature Grand on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2012. The For Good Awards are part of the Community Foundation of Broward’s Re-engage for Good movement aimed at ensuring new retirees can use their skills and interests to make a difference in their communities. The Community Foundation of Broward received 70 nominations from across Broward, each highlighting an individual utilizing skills and talents acquired while attending college, raising a family, or developing a career to create solutions on issues they care about. “With one in 11 grandparents in Florida acting as the principal caregiver for their grandchildren, and the increasing financial strain on all seniors, I knew we had to do something,” said Buntrock. “I was lucky to have great supporters and volunteers to make that happen so those we serve can live safe and healthy lives.”

48

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

7

THE PORTABLE GARDEN

“IF YOU’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE JOY OF ACCOMPLISHING MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, PLANT A GARDEN.” -Robert Brault Fishing . . . . Gardens . . . . Hummm??? Well, you can connect the dots.

Simply Amazing

Michael explains: One of our most exciting (and, excuse me, but I can’t resist: groundbreaking) “Teach a man to fish” projects is our garden. Working the garden gives our clients a chance to fill their needs AND give back to others. They love it. Here is how we became gardeners: One day, a director from the Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority showed Penny plans for a garden that would provide us with fresh produce. She was all over it. Come to find out, local farmers search out small strips of land in low-income areas and plant gardens. Ours is in Dixie Court Apartments—the affordable housing site co-developed by The Pantry and Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority.

Grandparents and grandkids work side by side in the garden and grow veggies. They sell part of their harvest to local restaurants and farmers’ markets, which gives them money to buy seed and replant. AND part of their harvest is donated to The Pantry. So instead of paying two or three dollars for a head of lettuce at the grocery store, our clients get fresh lettuce at no cost. Along with lettuce, we get tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, collard greens, zucchini, radishes, onions, and even a Jamaican vegetable called Callaloo. We always have plenty, so we can supply over 400 clients with their favorite veggies. AND, believe it or not, veggies are planted in buckets on top of the ground. SO, if we need to relocate our garden, we simply pick up our buckets and move to a new strip of land. I never heard of a portable garden. It’s amazing. Simply amazing.

Chapter 7 | The Portable Garden

51

52

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

8

SHOWPIECE

Michael says And now, ladies and gentlemen, LET’S PLAY

Brilliant Idea

Contestant: “I’ll take Warehouse for five hundred, Alex.”

Our 8,000-square-foot warehouse is the heart of our food pantry. We currently supply almost 25,000 pounds of food to over 400 clients each month. Most clients pick up their food, but if they are homebound we deliver. We also deliver to Douglas Gardens, Jewish Federation Gardens, and Saint Boniface.

JEOPARDY!

Alex: “And the answer is: Atypical. Spotless. Organized. Efficient. Penny’s way or the highway.” Contestant: “What is the warehouse at The Pantry of Broward?” Alex: “Congratulations! Go straight to the Jeopardy Hall of Fame!”

Hugh Morris Junior says Her Baby Penny’s warehouse is her pride and joy. She wants it exactly the way she wants it. When we were working on the building, she called me frequently. I can still hear her: “Hugh Morris Junior! What about the freezer? What about the floors? What about the doors? What about the shelves?” She was fussier than a new mom. But why not? The warehouse is her baby, and today it is a showpiece.

Our shelves are organized by category and each food item is dated, so clients never receive outdated food. Our freezer holds 2,000 pounds of frozen food; our 6´x10´ walk-in cooler holds perishable items. In most operations, you have to walk through the cooler to get to the freezer. Not at The Pantry. To conserve energy, Penny decided to separate them. She caught lots of grief, but after we were up and running everyone agreed: it’s a brilliant idea.

Nutritional Food Box Each month, clients receive a nutritional food box that weighs between fifty-five and sixty pounds. Penny insists that each box is packed with basics that are high in protein and quick and easy to prepare: peanut butter, jelly, tuna fish, mac and cheese, Hamburger Helper, oatmeal, cereal, grits, Chef Boyardee products, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soup, corn, beans, rice, and canned fruits and vegetables. Clients also “shop” from shelves that are exactly like those in a grocery store. They select fresh bread, pies, cakes, donuts, and cookies from one aisle and miscellaneous items—ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, mayonnaise, salt and pepper, toiletries, vitamins— from another aisle. We even have unusual food—everything from artichoke hearts and anchovies to Zingers and Zwieback. Before they leave (along with hugs and kisses), clients receive a big bag loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, candy for the kids, and, for some, pet food.

Chapter 8 | Showpiece

55

Michael continues... Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is special. Clients receive everything to make a complete Thanksgiving dinner—a twenty-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, veggies, pumpkin pie, even whipping cream. Last year (2011), we gave food to over 250 families. In 2010, Hard Rock Café surprised us: as we were setting up, a huge delivery truck loaded with volunteers dressed as chefs, real china, serving platters, silverware, napkin holders, serving dishes, gravy boats, and even salt and pepper shakers pulled up to the warehouse. So along with food boxes, our clients received, literally, all the trimmings. NOBODY could believe it. I can’t tell you how many times I heard, “What?!?! We’re getting all that?” EVERYBODY was crying, hugging, kissing, and thanking us over and over. But truth be told: they didn’t have to say a word. The feeling was in the air.

ns at a time For this upstart nonprofit to get donatio ations is don of year when everybody is asking for staff. They REALLY huge. Kudos to Penny and her ctations.” attracted over and above anybody’s expe ~Ginny Miller

56

The Pantry of Broward

Wonderful Volunteers

Michael continues... Show Our Underwear We receive about 6,000 pounds of USDA food each month, which means Farm Share inspects us. Pest control sprays each month, but if we happen to spot even one mealy bug we remove everything from our shelves immediately and wipe them down with a cleaner and soy bean oil, which is a natural insect killer. Fire extinguishers are tested regularly, and we receive annual code inspections.

I have wonderful volunteers. Some make food boxes; some sort food; some stock shelves; some clean. It just depends on what they enjoy doing. Volunteering gives them a purpose and makes them feel good. And me? Well, I feel GREAT. The volunteers won’t let The Pantry OR me down.

Karen Spigler reminds us, “Nonprofits have to show their underwear.” We do. And it’s always clean!

Green BJ is environmentally conscious, so she drives a small electric car and is concerned about the state of what she calls, “the world’s Gar-Bage.” The Pantry follows her lead. Our operation is green: cardboard is recycled; food is never wasted; excess fresh produce is donated to another charity; wilted produce is composted for our garden. PLUS: we are switching from cardboard food boxes to reusable food bags. We pay about sixty-five cents for each box, and government regulations stipulate that we can’t reuse them. So when I heard that stores like Publix and Target donate reusable bags, I was all over it. Remember each food box weighs fifty-five to sixty pounds. Well, we load the box into the client’s car, but when they get home who is going to unload it? Reusable bags (each client receives two) are lighter, easier to carry, cost less, and are better for the environment. What’s not to like?

Big John Then there is John Hames—Big John. Big John gets here early, early every morning and stays until we are finished for the day. He is here Saturday—Sunday—whenever. If I need something—anything—Big John is the man. I don’t even have to ask. Without Big John...well, I don’t want to think about life at The Pantry without Big John. It just wouldn’t be the same.

Chapter 8 | Showpiece

57

Big John says: Home

A Little Time BJ and I have been friends for twenty-five years. I love her dearly and would do anything for her. When she asked me if I’d “donate a little time” to The Pantry I didn’t think twice. I retired after thirty-four years in construction, so it was easy for me to build a bathroom in their first old warehouse, help lay out the new building, and take charge of buying and installing shelves in the warehouse. Well, five years later, I still “donate a little time.” I volunteer thirty, maybe forty, hours a week and love every minute. I pull up about five o’clock every morning, and go with Michael to pick up bread from Publix. Then, depending on the day, I work on maintenance, handle inspections, pack food boxes, pick up donated food, deliver food to homebound clients and assisted living facilities, and help with food drives. Actually, I have a reputation for claiming that The Pantry is my second home. Well, it is.

58

There’s an old saying, “Home is where the heart is.” The people who work at The Pantry have the biggest hearts on the planet. And I’m convinced that is, in part, because of BJ. She is one of us, yet an amazing role model: caring, giving, unselfish, down-to-earth. BJ was born into a working-class, strict family, where she learned humility: no one should take wealth for granted. She learned to work hard and value education. BJ told me a story about her dad that underlines how she lives her life: one morning she found her dad sitting in the garden, crying. When BJ asked him, “What’s wrong, Dad?” he answered, “Nothing is wrong. God told me that anything I give, I’ll get back twice in return. But I realize I get back three times.” BJ never forgot her childhood lesson. Her strength and kindness are phenomenal. Her generosity is legendary. What she gives, she gives. It’s never about her; she never asks for anything in return. I’m honored to tell you that BJ’s way reflects in my heart and becomes my way—it becomes the way of everyone at The Pantry.

The Pantry of Broward

CHAPTER

9

WHOOPS DAYS

“IF IT CAN HAPPEN, IT WILL HAPPEN AT THE PANTRY.” - Betty, Gloria, Lydya, Michael, Penny, Terrence, Ursula, Veralynne

Veralynne says

Steve says

If the proverbial fly on the wall hung out expecting to see a typical workday at The Pantry, he’d soon buzz off to therapy.

Every organization needs a leader. Penny Loughan is The Pantry’s leader. You don’t follow Penny because she has a Ph.D. in leadership. You follow Penny because she leads from the heart.

Count on Me

Our CEO

We all start the morning with a mission—a plan. You know, the typical To Do list. Then, the day takes on a life of its own... •

Can you help me unload food?

•

Can you give a tour?

•

Can you talk with a new client?

•

Can you fix my computer?

•

Can you . . . ? Can you . . . ? Can you . . . ?

Interruption, after interruption, after interruption. Your day is not your day. Everything you planned to do, well, you don’t. It doesn’t mean you aren’t busy. You ARE. It just means what you planned to do on Monday might have to wait until Wednesday . . . or Friday. We call them WHOOPS Days. And, to us, WHOOPS Days are normal. Accepted. But what’s more important? Sticking to your To Do list or pitching in to help your co-workers do what needs to be done NOW? For us, the answer is a no-brainer: “YEP! I’m in. You can count on me.” After all, we are family.

Penny is, well, unique. She’s not the most polished speaker. So what? She speaks with honor and total truth. Penny came from a military background. She didn’t know how to be a CEO, so she had a steep learning curve: government paperwork, grant applications, job descriptions, people management, Board meetings, public relations, special events, computer systems, phone systems, budgets, payroll. So many technicalities. Lucky for The Pantry and, frankly, Broward County, Penny is tremendously talented. Like the soldier she is, she marched out and fought the battles. She worked hard to overcome problems—and we had problems. She learned how to deal with disagreements—and we had disagreements. From The Pantry’s beginning, to what we are now, to what we will become, Penny Loughan is the best CEO we could ask for, bar none. Why? Penny has passion. I know it. The Board knows it. I didn’t buy a Get Out of Jail Free card. So if I stand between Penny and The Pantry’s mission statement, she will roll the car over me in a heartbeat. And BJ? Well, BJ will cheer her on every tread mark of the way.

Retired Army Sergeant 1st Class Penny Loughan

Chapter 9 | Whoops Days

61

Our Staff

mail, recording money, updating the database, writing the newsletter, posting the blog, writing thank-you notes, working the front desk. And when Penny isn’t in the building and Veralynne is “bored,” she answers Penny’s phone because Penny hates voice mail.

Karen says

Best and Brightest All new organizations take their bumps and bruises. The Pantry is no exception. But not once did I think we’d fail. Never. A good deal of the credit goes to the staff. The crew Penny has now is the best and brightest ever. They all pitch in 110 percent. I can’t say enough good things about Ursula. That woman is an angel. Lots of people want to schmooze you—tell you how won wonderful they are—tell you everything they are doing. But Ursula sits quietly in the background and does an amazing job.

Terrence is a new addition to our family. I met Terrence at a fundraiser and, frankly, wasn’t sure what to expect, but he knocked my socks off. Terrence is bringing The Pantry—albeit kicking and screaming—into the 21st century’s world of technology. Michael is also a new addition to our family, but he already has the warehouse and food boxes down to a science. The clients love him. The staff loves him. The volunteers love him. He is energetic, charming, caring. And talk about a sense of humor. That’s our Michael.

Lydya has her HR, technical, and volunteer responsibilities down pat. Volunteers show up where they’re supposed to, when they’re supposed to, and do what they’re supposed to. Lydya does it all so smoothly and seamlessly you might swear she isn’t working. But let me tell you something: efficient, effective volunteer programs don’t happen by chance. Veralynne makes us laugh. She says, “I’m the senior consultant for obvious reasons: I’m old!” Veralynne is anything but old. She’s everywhere: giving tours, opening

62

The Pantry of Broward

Last but certainly not least, we have Betty and Gloria. They are the smiling faces clients and guests see the minute they walk in our front door. Betty and Gloria know exactly how to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. And, bless their hearts, they CHEER CHEERFULLY handle the thousand and one details that keep us efficient and organized.

Then, There’s BJ

Lydya says: A Character BJ dances to a different drummer. She just . . . well, she just is. She’s honest, almost to a fault. You just never know what might come out of her mouth. She NEVER edits herself. She’s funny. Snarky. A character. BJ works as hard, if not harder, than anyone. But she has this way about her—if BJ wants something done, it’s going to get done, without ordering, without demanding. Just done. BJ is difficult—probably impossible—to describe in words. But charisma comes close. Each morning, first thing, I walk by her office and hear this little, “Good Morning.” “Morning, BJ.” And that is the perfect way—the only way—to start my day. When she’s not here, I miss her—we all miss her. We’re like: When’s BJ coming back? Without BJ, The Pantry feels empty.

Michael says: Heart of Gold BJ is amazing. Every Wednesday she brings us bananas; she takes our picture and makes us say “bullshit” to get us to smile; she mock-gags herself when we build her up; she climbs into the huge boxes from the post office’s food drive and separates food; she writes personal thank-you notes to our donors. BJ has a heart of gold. She loves The Pantry. She really does. She knows she is making a difference. Sure she could write a check, and that would make a difference. But it wouldn’t be a personal difference. BJ is The Pantry. And The Pantry is BJ. Without BJ, well, I don’t want to think about it. BJ means the world to me—she means the world to all of us.

Chapter 9 | Whoops Days

63

Terrence says:

Veralynne says

Dancing Elves

Rubs Off

Ah, BJ. She is one of a kind. BJ is always learning. One of her newest quests is 21st century technology. She loves it.

BJ can’t stand to see people mistreated, ignored, overlooked, or denigrated in any way. And, you know, she rubs off on us.

During the holiday season, I posted our staff dressed as dancing elves, singing “Jingle Bell Rock” on our Facebook page. BJ flew into my office. “Tall T,” she said, “please send me that link. I can’t wait to email it to my friends.”

Penny says: Right There’s right, and there’s right. BJ wants things done right.. That doesn’t mean right as in correct. It means right as in moral. That’s wonderful. Altruistic. But truth be told, BJ has another definition of right: she is compulsively neat and VERY particular. It’s probably from her Dutch background, where cleanliness is close to Godliness. Whatever. In BJ’s world of right: if you move something, put it back where you found it; if you borrow something, return it; if you make a mess, clean it up. Not to confuse things, but according to BJ, there is a right way to do something wrong. Actually, it’s simple: if you do something wrong, the right thing to do is admit it.

64

The Pantry of Broward

Ursula says: Good job, Kiddo!

Quirky

BJ never sits through an office staff meeting. She participates. And, believe me, she knows everything that goes on around here. AND she lets you know she knows. She pads down the hall, pokes her head through your door, grins, and says, “Good job, Kiddo!”

BJ is, well, BJ. Humble. Genuine. Unorthodox. Quirky. So, BJ, I want to say, “I love you. We all love you. Thank you for being BJ, quirks and all.”

BJ doesn’t limit her kudos to the professional staff. She builds up everybody. Never in a million years would most founders invite their cleaning lady to a meeting of “muckety mucks” and introduce her around as an important staff member. BJ does.

Great Expectations BJ believes anything can work. Her desires are not just desires. She takes action. She gets results. BJ lives the life she wants to live—gives the way she wants to give. wait If I announce that we have twenty clients on our list waiting for affordable housing, and we can maybe get four slots, BJ comes back with, “No! We can get all twenty. CAN’T WE!” BJ’s expectations are monumental. She believes things can happen—will happen. And that motivates us. After all, BJ does her part. We can do ours.

Chapter 9 | Whoops Days

65

We opened The Pantry in 2008 — the year the

Our clients are thankful we are here. They tell us

economy tanked. Sure, we made some mistakes, but

every day that no other agency does what we do or

we’ve done good stuff. Great stuff. And there’s more to come. Lots more. - Penny Loughan

I’m blessed to be part of the family. - Betty O’Connor-Sawyer

This is not a job. Sure, I get here early and leave

I worked in Corporate America for twenty five

late, but it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.

years. Sure those were hay days, when my paycheck

When people ask, “If you won the lottery would you

supported all my toys. But I wasn’t happy. Now my

treats them how we do.

quit your job?” I answer, “NO! NO! NO!”

friends see a big change in my attitude. Why? I’m

- Michael Greenstein

and each day I go home feeling great because I was

I’ve never been happier in my life.

a member of The Pantry’s family,

able to help our clients, and that means more than I left my little cube in the corporate world

any toy. - Terrence Smalley

because life was fading fast, and

The Pantry pulled my heartstrings.

Seeing our clients walk away knowing they can

I no longer go home and think about the pile of

sleep at night because there is a roof over their

stuff still sitting on my desk — stuff I have to do.

heads, their lights are on, and they have food on the

Instead, at the end of the day, I think about stuff I

table for their grandchildren brings

get to do. - Lydya Chapman We work at The Pantry because we

absolute joy to my heart. - Ursula Williams

want to help each and every client who comes through

our door. That’s what makes us a family.

- Gloria Stickley

I love watching our team gel and become more and more creative. We have an inside cohesiveness that, like the Energizer Bunny, keeps us going...and going...and going.

And, OH! By the way: we love to laugh. - Veralynne Williams

66

The Pantry of Broward

10

CHAPTER

‘VOLUNTEERS ROCK!’

“YOU SHOULDN’T GO THROUGH LIFE WITH A CATCHER’S MITT ON BOTH HANDS; YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO THROW SOMETHING BACK.” ~ Maya Angelou

Good Morning, America! “I’m Katie Couric, guest host of THE most popular morning show in the entire US of A. This morning my esteemed guest is Lydya Chapman, Director of Volunteers for The Pantry of Broward in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Good Morning, Lydya. I’m delighted you joined us.” “Thank you, Katie. I’m happy to be here.”

“Lydya, people are busy. They have kids . . . jobs . . . things to do . . . places to go. Please tell our viewers why they should take time out of already busy lives and volunteer.” “That’s a great question with an easy answer—actually MANY easy answers, Katie. I prepared a graphic called ‘Volunteers ROCK!’ for you to share with your viewers.”

Chapter 10 | Volunteers Rock!

69

s r e e t n u l o V

! K C O R ★

munity Give Back to Your Com l attachment to your ★ You have a persona to make it a better community. You want ily, your friends, place for you, your fam you? Well, n’t Do and others to live. erests, and int r ula rtic identify your pa unity. volunteer in your comm

tunities

Explore unique oppor

ent. You want to leap ★ You crave excitem sts! signs and over Off Limits to Touri an insider—a as rld experience the wo volunteer abroad. local. Don’t you? Well,

rowth

Advance Personal G

me more independent, ★ You want to beco geous, adventuresome, coura less ignorant and ly, nk compassionate. Fra you? Well, take the narrow minded. Don’t an area outside your leap and volunteer in comfort zone.

70

View a Culture From the Inside Out k out of the Holiday Inn ★ You’d love to chec d period of time and spend an extende trying new food, , living in a new country age, and meeting speaking a new langu you? Well, update new people. Wouldn’t k out volunteer your passport and chec travel opportunities.

dibility

Improve Personal Cre

g for a way to ★ You’ve been lookin ume and, frankly, feel res ur strengthen yo ven’t you? Well, great about yourself. Ha ur heart and to yo find something close the day you’ll go of d volunteer. At the en Confident. Credible. home with new skills. Content.

Feel Proud proud of yourself. ★ You’d love to feel lunteer. When Wouldn’t you? Well, vo on a house you tile f roo you lay that last baby turtles you helped build or watch the ocean, you’ll protected scurry toward buttons. ud pro burst your peacock

The Pantry of Broward

Receive Recognition & Feedback ★ You’d appreciate being appreciated. Wouldn’t you? Well, volunteer. There’s nothing wrong with receiving a gold star from someone who recognizes your contribution, pats you on the back, and tells you, “You done good!”

Learn New Things ★ You’d love to get out of the “Same ole . . . Same ole rut. Wouldn’t you? Well, volunteer. The world is chock full of unique experiences. But it’s easy to miss them if you super glue your heinie to the couch.

Develop & Strengthen Friendships ★ You’d enjoy meeting new friends and bonding further with your current circle. Wouldn’t you? Well, volunteer. There’s nothing like the lifelong friendships that develop from helping others.

Get a Job ★ You’re looking for a job. Aren’t you? Well, volunteer. Similar to an intern, you can try out a field to see if it suits you. And your efforts demonstrate that you are dedicated enough to work for free, hoping your enthusiasm leads to a paycheck.

Develop Skills & Experience ★ You’re a newbie in the workforce or a veteran who wants to change positions. Aren’t you? Well, volunteer. Volunteer work is a perfect way to gain experience in a broad range of fields. And, frankly, in today’s market, if you don’t have experience, employers will file your resume in the circular file—without a second glance.

Learn a Foreign Language ★ You’re aware of our expanded global economy. Aren’t you? Well, if you want to play with the big kids, volunteer in a community or country where you can learn a foreign language. Employers are impressed with people who can speak and read a foreign language. Plus, when you learn Spanish whole new continents open up to you. And knowing Mandarin allows you to speak to some 864 million people. Cool, huh?

Have Fun ★ You’d love to have more fun. Wouldn’t you? Well, volunteer. Sure, volunteer work can be hard, strenuous, sweaty, and you might get dirty. But at the end of the day, when you see people smile—when you appreciate you did something different— when you know you touched lives—when you made memories—you’ll admit you had fun. And, maybe . . . maybe . . . you even changed your life.

★

Chapter 10 | Volunteers Rock!

71

“That’s brilliant, Lydya. What else can you tell America about volunteering?”

“Thanks for asking, Katie. I prepared a special graphic for volunteer opportunities at The Pantry of Broward. America, I invite you to join us. You’ll feel good. Guaranteed.”

VOLUNTEER at

610 N.W. Third Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954.358.1481 www.thepantryofbroward.org lydya@thepantryofbroward.org

It’s only a matter of time Volunteer Positions

Description

Office Assistant

Data Entry Bulk Mailings General Clerical Answer Phones

Community Outreach

Set up speaking engagements in local service clubs, schools, and groups Arrange media interviews and/or community meetings Write and call legislators regarding issues affecting fixed-income seniors and grandparents raising grandchildren Get other volunteers involved

Special Events

Serve on the advertising, marketing, logistics, or any special events’ committee

Pantry Assistant

Unpack and sort donated food Pack food boxes Distribute food boxes to clients

Warehouse Assistant

Keep the warehouse spotless, safe, and well-stocked Prepare cardboard boxes for recycling

72

Historian

Collect and organize materials that document The Pantry’s growth

Driver

Safe drivers needed to collect and deliver food and run short errands

Emergency On-call Assistant

The “I really need help with this or that and don’t know who to else to call” assistant

Positions we didn’t think of:

Do you have a skill or talent that’s not on the list? Please call The Pantry at 954.358.1481 and ask for Lydya Chapman or email lydya@ Thepantryofbroward.org and tell her what YOU want to do.

“Thank you so much, Lydya. We’re almost out of time, but I leave you, America, with this call to action: Go on. Raise your hand. Step up to the plate. Get off your duff. Whatever it takes. VOLUNTEER Thanks again, Lydya. America wishes The Pantry all the best. We’ll be right back after these messages.”

Chapter 10 | Volunteers Rock!

73

74

The Pantry of Broward

11

CHAPTER

THE THINK TANK

Ambassadors’ Council 2012

Council Chair: Christy Mullins

12 Junior Ambassadors’ Council 20

Board Liaison: EJ Spector

Council Chair: Chloe Duke

Staff Liaison: Terrence Smalley

Council Members: Wini Amaturo Kimberly Barbar Shelia Bechert Bob D’Angelo Kevin P. Friel Adam Fry Lindsay Fry Jacqueline Howe Heidi Davis Knapik

Manya Lowry Kathy Molinet Ronald L. Myers Kimberle A. Nesselt Joy Riddell Michelle Tuggle Bernard J. Weiser Bill White Juli Zeno

Council Members: Danielle Boyd Maria Castro Isabella Glazer Brandi Grant Kai Phillips-Lustick

Brooks Reilly Brandon Roger Juliana Roger Phillip Thoras

“FROM WHAT WE GET, WE CAN MAKE A LIVING. WHAT WE GIVE, HOWEVER, MAKES A LIFE.”

-Arthur Ashe

If you were asked to flip open the dictionary and paste a picture next to the word exceptional, you could, appropriately, opt for a group shot of The Pantry’s smiling Ambassadors and Junior Ambassadors.

Christy says:

YOU Are cordially invited to

The Ambassadors’ Council is a diverse group of people, from all walks of life, who share a common love and passion for The Pantry. One of the Council’s most unique characteristics is diversity. When you include our Junior Ambassadors, our Council consists of members in their teens, as well as members who are grandparents, and everyone in between. We strive to maintain diversity, so we can continuously develop new and creative ideas. As Ambassadors, we have two main objectives: To create awareness, and to figure out ways to get food on the shelves. We utilize the individual talents of each Ambassador to accomplish our goals. Some Ambassadors are very talented in the arena of creating awareness and are able to speak with ease in front of hundreds of people. Others offer their talents of creativity in developing new and innovative ways to conduct food drives.

The Pantry of Broward’s Ambassadors’ Council - RSVP 954.358.1481 Ask for Terrence Creative. Caring. Cool. Guaranteed!

As a Council, we work hard to understand and support the ideas and talents of our Ambassadors so we can help them achieve their individual goals. We also have several projects we work on together as a team. Most importantly, we care about one another immensely, and we have fun!

Chapter 11 | The Think Tank

77

Bernie says:

Kevin says:

Ideas Ambassadors are the Think Tank. Our job is to think up ideas—zany or not—that expand The Pantry’s publicity, explain its needs, and promote what it does for our community. In other words, we create awareness and bring in food. And, OH! By the way, we have a great time!

Turkey Pool Everybody loves football. So, each year, the Ambassadors run a Thanksgiving Turkey Pool at Scandals Saloon in Wilton Manors. Customers pick their favorite number, pay five bucks, and if their number is drawn in the raffle they win a turkey. In 2010, we made $1,500. AND only one person claimed his turkey. Everybody else donated it back to The Pantry.

Surprise. Happiness. Smiles. During the 2011 Christmas season, Ambassadors made over $2,000 selling stockings at Scandals. We, then, bought gifts and invited grandparents and grandkids to The Pantry, where Santa appeared and gave everybody a gift. Believe it or not, some of our eighty-year-old grandparents had NEVER received a Christmas present. I’ve never seen so many beaming faces. Surprise. Happiness. Smiles. And the kids? Well, they weren’t coached or told to say thank you. Their appreciation poured out naturally.

Bernie adds: There’s nothing Ambassadors won’t do for The Pantry. I even dressed as the world’s biggest elf.

78

The Pantry of Broward

Terrence says Junior Ambassadors Junior Ambassadors are high-school students. They volunteer to help with food drives, work in the warehouse, and help with special events. Their time counts toward community service hours. It’s amazing to see how volunteering changes their attitudes about life. One young man was ready to make his Bar Mitzvah, which is a really big deal for a Jewish boy. Usually the boy’s parents throw a big party, where guests bring gifts—lots of gifts. This young man announced that instead of gifts he wanted his family and friends to donate to The Pantry. Our Junior Ambassadors get it. They think about their families and wonder: What would my grandma or grandpa do if they were in this situation?

Chapter 11 | The Think Tank

79

80

The Pantry of Broward

12

CHAPTER

C-NOTERS PLUS 2

The Pantry’s C-Noters as of May 2012

“THE ESSENCE OF GENIUS IS TO MAKE USE OF THE SIMPLEST IDEAS.” -Charles Peguy

The world is full of good ideas: You know, sliced bread, zippers, rubber bands. Then, there are great ideas: The wheel. The printing press. The personal computer. THEN, there are brilliant ideas: Enter BJ Buntrock and The Pantry’s C-Noters.

Veralynne says: Mile a Minute BJ’s mind runs a mile a minute. One of her many, many brilliant ideas is the C-Noters program.

Penny says: It’s EASY BJ’s brilliant idea didn’t stop with the C-Noters program. We also have the 49rs+1 (a $50, tax deductible, contribution each month) and the Quarter Pounder (a $25, tax deductible, contribution each month). Whatever you choose it’s EASY. Just go to www.ThePantryofBroward.org and click on the big orange Donate button. Then click on Monthly Contribution Programs. Every thirty days your contribution will be billed automatically to your credit card. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

It’s simple: People make a $100, tax deductible, contribution each month. Voila! They’re C-Noters. Their names are engraved on a plaque that hangs on the wall in the conference room. Their money goes toward defraying administrative and overhead costs. After all, if we can’t pay our staff or keep our lights on, we have to shut our doors. And BJ will do anything to keep that from happening. Trust me.

Chapter 12 | C-Noters Plus 2

83

84

The Pantry of Broward

13

CHAPTER

HOPE

“WHEN THE WORLD SCREAMS, ‘GIVE UP,’ HOPE WHISPERS, ‘TRY IT ONE MORE TIME.’”

-Pearl S. Buck

Go on. Flip through your calendar—the “old-fashioned” paper version, please. What do you see?

Terrence says:

Well . . . Year. Months. Weeks. Days. That’s what a calendar is about. Right?

Each month is different. Throughout the year, The Pantry hosts FUN, special events to raise money to support our clients. Please join us as we make memories and spread hope.

Wrong! A calendar is about memories: In January, we welcome the New Year and make well-intended resolutions; February is the month of love, red roses, and dark chocolate; March, at least for those of us with smiling Irish eyes, is all about wearin’ of the green and leprechauns; during April, we sing in the rain and commemorate Earth Day; in May, we honor motherhood; in June we fire up the backyard grill and celebrate Dad’s day; in July, it’s time to shoot off fireworks and sing, Happy Birthday, USA; August slogs in with Dog Days; September YEP! Back to school; in October, we carve pumpkins and don scary (or glamorous) costumes; in November, we gorge ourselves with turkey, dressing (or is it “stuffing”?), and all the trimmings. And December? Well, in December we wish Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Blessed Kwanzaa to all. And The Pantry? Well, The Pantry’s calendar is about memories, too. Special memories. Memories about what it means to help seniors, grandparents, and grandkids smile. Memories about hope. Yes. Hope. Hope is, after all, oxygen that fuels the fire of the human soul.

TO DO LIST: Visit The Pantry’s website: www.ThePantryofBroward.org

LIKE The Pantry’s Facebook page: facebook.com/thepantryofbroward

Follow The Pantry’s Blog: Veralynne’s Voice: www.thepantryofbroward.org/veralynnes-voice

Mark your calendar for The Pantry’s future special events Join The Pantry’s FUN and support fixed income seniors and grandparents raising grandchildren Celebrate your genuine generosity

Chapter 13 | Hope

87

Dr. Ira & Marietta Glazer, Gabby & Isabella

Bella’s Bags Let’s Party! Provide emotional support to grandkids being raised by grandparents while having fun.

Wine Tasting Cheers! Join our regularly scheduled wine tastings.

Summer Campie Hey, Bubba! Can you say, “$13,000 for The Pantry”? No matter who you are or what you believe, a community can and DOES work together.

88

Starlight Musicals FREE concerts in the park help spread the word about The Pantry. Thank you, Bank of America and Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation for your support.

The Pantry of Broward

Auto Nation’s Take a Spin Car Wash Thank you, Auto Nation for helping The Pantry raise $$$ and bring in food for The Pantry.

Gulfstream Race Track Celebrates the Fourth of July Say Happy Birthday, America, and donate food to The Pantry.

Chapter 13 | Hope

Bubba’s Country Fair Peanuts! Popcorn! Ice Cream! Bubba-style.

89

Rio Vista Fall Festival Face painting, carnival games, bounce houses, pumpkin carving, and a dunk tank. What’s not to like? Over 600 kids had the time of their lives.

Operation Backpack Yep! It’s back to school. The Pantry supplies backpacks, uniforms, and school supplies for over 125 kids.

90

The Pantry of Broward

Chamber After Hours Welcome! Community leaders meet and greet while building awareness for The Pantry.

Pantry Pay Day Negative Nancies not allowed! Online raffle raises $$$$$ for The Pantry.

Women’s Executive Club Cannon Circle Hey, Girlfriend! Over here!

Chapter 13 | Hope

Saint Lawrence Gallery Fundraiser Stunning artwork supports The Pantry.

91

Halloween Trick or Treat!!! Princesses, devils, skeletons, AND staff love it.

And the Oscar goes to . . . THE PANTRY of BROWARD!!!!! Bank Atlantic nonprofit Academy Awards names The Pantry “Nonprofit Organization of the Year Rising Star.”

92

Christmas Let’s go Shopping! Grandparents shop The Pantry’s store for special gifts for their grandkids.

The Pantry of Broward

14

CHAPTER

DANCING WITH THE STARS, PANTRY STYLE

“I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE.” -From “Dirty Dancing” Remember deductive reasoning 101? Try this: Broward County Florida is home to over twelve hundred nonprofit organizations.

Even FUN Six months after The Pantry opened its doors, Penny realized if she wanted to keep them open another six months she had to come up with a black tie event— a major fundraiser—that was different from the twelve hundred other black tie events in Broward County.

Nonprofit organizations host black tie events. Let’s see: Exciting. Lively. Glamorous. Even FUN. Therefore, Broward County has black tie events—lots of black tie events. Got it?

Hummm????? Penny bolted awake. The digital clock’s red eyes winked 3:33 a.m. “Got it,” she shouted to her once sleeping, now annoyed, cat. “We’ll do Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style. Brilliant . . . if I do say so myself.”

Try this: Most black tie events are, frankly, boring. Broward County does not need another boring black tie event.

Penny flipped on the light and spent the rest of the night scribbling notes.

Therefore, the anything BUT boring Pantry must change the norm. Got it? Try this: Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style

Chapter 14 | Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style

95

Sabotage Penny could hardly wait to present her brilliant idea at the next Board meeting. She waited as they ticked off agenda items . . . .

Penny took a deep breath. “Let’s do Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style. You know, like the TV show. Local celebrities will train with professional dancers. Then, the night of the event they’ll compete. We’ll get the audience involved. Food will be excellent. Speeches will be short. And . . . ”

Budget . . .check. Silence. Staff . . . check. Volunteers. . . check.

The Board furrowed its collective brow and stared at Penny.

Food Drives . . . check.

Penny furrowed her brow and stared back at the Board.

At last . . .

The silence got louder.

“The next agenda item is Black Tie Event. Penny, the Board knows you researched options. We’re ready for your report,” Chairman Shailer said.

Finally, Chairman Shailer cleared his throat. “Penny! We need to table this. Next agenda item please.” Well, time passed. The Board was far from convinced Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style was, indeed, a “brilliant” idea. As a matter of fact, it was so FAR from brilliant, certain Board members took a shot at sabotage.

96

The Pantry of Broward

Veralynne remembers:

SUGGESTION

Penny’s first Dancing with the Stars almost fell flat on the floor before the music even started. The Board wasn’t behind her. They fought her. Some even went in cahoots to close her down. BJ wasn’t convinced it was a great idea, and, admittedly, even I thought it sounded silly.

Black tie event??? . . .Clean the bathroom???

Then Penny had a problem finding sponsors. Nobody wanted to buy into this upstart organization. I mean, P-leeeeze. Nobody marched in lock-step. Everybody said, “Penny! You’ll never do it.” Her response? “REALLY? You don’t think so? Trust me.” Penny soldiered on. Pretty soon it seemed as if we were on stage performing “Dance of the Toy Soldiers.” Except. Except when we fell, unlike the Radio City Rockettes, we didn’t rise so gracefully. First down was Penny herself. She had an emergency appendectomy but was back to work so fast we referred to it as her “Drive-by Appendectomy.”

The choice is a no-brainer. After all, who wants to sit through ONE more dull evening with only three interesting things to do: Read the program cover-to-cover. (Can I say, “ten times”?) Pick at rubber chicken smothered with brown goo. (I guess it’s gravy.) Yawn and will the clock to tick . . . tick . . .tick . . . toward the Cinderella Hour. (Just how much did I spend to be tortured? ) Sound familiar? SUGGESTION: Buy a ticket to Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style.

Six weeks before the event I fell and fractured my hip in six places. Our beloved Bruce needed emergency surgery. And of all the nerve, Cindy (the staff member who did PR) went to California for her wedding—the one she’d planned for two years. That left Lydya and Ursula to keep our doors open and Penny and Maureen Esposito to pull off Dancing with the Stars. (Back then, Penny didn’t know she was supposed to have a committee to help her. Hello!)

Chapter 14 | Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style

97

The Best, Bar None.

Steve says:

The speech I make at Dancing with the Stars only lasts forty-five seconds. Still, I’m always proud to say, “Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce our co-chairs Gale Butler and Bro Ginny Miller. I don’t care who you are in Broward County, they are the best, bar none.”

Nonstop Action

Gale says

In 2010, I was asked to chair Dancing with the Stars. Ginny Miller agreed to be my co-chair, and we ran with it. The event is not just talking heads—it is not just a sit-down dinner with awards. From the moment you walk in the door, it is nonstop action. Exciting. Fun. It is SO different from other events. And, by the way, it is raising money and awareness for The Pantry.

Rave Reviews The evening of the event you walk into a big reception with an open bar and lots of great silent auction items. That’s fun because instead of just standing around, holding a glass of wine, you immediately have something to do. AND you can make wonderful purchases.

98

The first year nobody wanted to contribute. Now everybody wants in. You, of course, want to mingle and say, “Hello” before dinner. But you’ve only started to have a great time. The minute everyone is seated it’s showtime. First up, is the previous year’s winner. Then, dancers show their stuff in the first round of competition. After dinner, which is NOT typical rubber chicken, the dancing starts again. The dancers are not “dancers.” They are executives. They sit behind a desk. But for three months, they train with professional dancers from Six Star Entertainment, and the night of the event they dance their hearts out. You might think we pull people kicking and screaming to dance. We don’t. People want to dance. After all, it is their “moment of fame,” and it’s fun. Plus, dancers get to train, for free, with professional dancers and wear snazzy costumes. More fun. And at the end of the evening, the reviews are rave: I’ve been around the black tie circuit many times, and this is the best charity event I have EVER attended. . . . Electric! . . . I had so much fun. . . . .Exciting!. . . . WOW! This wasn’t what I expected. It was different. . . . The entertainment was fabulous. And the review we really love to hear: I’m DEFINITELY coming back next year!

Penny and Gale Butler

The Pantry of Broward

Eat Crow

Ginny says:

So. Back up to 2009. You know, Penny’s first Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style.

Different I have been chairing and co-chairing black tie events in Broward County for more years than I want to admit. Okay. I’ll tell you: thirty-seven. Often, Gale Butler and I work together. We do this ball and that ball—this event and that event. With that said, I can tell you from personal experience that Dancing with the Stars is different.

Remember, against all odds, Penny pulled off a fabulous evening, practically solo? Remember the Board’s opposition—its, to be blunt, antagonism? But, like the “Little Engine that Could” Penny chugged ahead . . . I think I can . . . I think I can . . . I think I can . . .

Great Old Time Not only do we have dancers, we have entertainment. The Golden Oldies— seniors dressed in leotards—come from Miami and shake, shake, shake their booties. What a riot. We have a band, so you can get up and dance and talk to this one and that one. By ten o’clock you’re exhausted from applauding, running around the room, whooping and cheering, and having a great old time.

Please Let’s face it: dancers put themselves on display. It’s a contest so somebody has to lose. Still, win or lose, they have fun. AND because the event has a reputation for being fun, people—all kinds of people—come out of the woodwork and ask, “May I dance next year? Please.”

Well, she could. And she did. Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style was a success. A humongous success. And BJ? Close your eyes. Picture the first Board meeting after the event: Board seated around table; Meeting starts; BJ gets up; BJ leaves room; BJ returns; Something hidden behind back; Board curious; BJ flips Something on table; Black; Feathers; Beak; Two feet; Four talons, each foot; Board gasps; But wait; Collective sigh of relief; Something does not caw; Dead; Stuffed. BJ’s admonition, though, is alive and well: “Here you go, guys. EAT CROW!”

Penny and Ginny Miller

Chapter 14 | Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style

99

Testimonials I love The Pantry’s mission, and I love to dance. So being part of Dancing with the Stars was an amazing opportunity for me to be involved with two things I love dearly. Plus, it was so much fun! It was easy to ask my friends and associates to make monetary contributions. Our group raised a lot of money; the 2012 dancers learned from us and doubled what we did. It just keeps getting better. I can’t wait for next year, and the next year, and the next year, and . . . - Traci Miller

Dancing in front of 450 people isn’t easy, but it’s a wonderful personal growth experience you don’t want to miss. Take it from one who knows: Dancing with the Stars draws you in; you want to be part of it. AND it’s great fun. AND when you have fun, the money rolls in. - Jen Klaassens

Sure, Dancing with the Stars was challenging, but it was also very rewarding. I was blessed with the opportunity to represent NBC and do something out of my comfort zone for such a wonderful cause. I broke NBC’s winning streak by not even making it to the finals (ha ha), but it is an experience I hold near and dear to my heart. - Nathalie Pozzo

100

The Pantry of Broward

My mom is fortunate, because I take care of her. She doesn’t have to deal with the same issues so many other seniors face on a daily basis. Still, I know the need is there. Because my life’s purpose is to help society, I am humbled and honored to help The Pantry flourish by being part of Dancing with the Stars and helping address this need. - Laurina Anderson

Being part of Dancing with the Stars was an amazing adventure on several levels. On a professional level, it was an honor to represent the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and contribute to the overall success of an event that puts a spotlight on The Pantry. On a personal level, it took me out of my comfort zone, ignited my competitive spirit, and reminded me of the value of staying fit. Dancing with the Stars is a win-win formula for The Pantry, the sponsors, and the contestants! - Susan Renneisen Chapter 14 | Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style

101

15

CHAPTER

FOOD DRIVES

“YOU CANNOT THINK WELL, LOVE WELL, SLEEP WELL, IF YOU HAVE NOT DINED WELL.” -Virginia Woolf

Remember when you were in elementary school and the teacher divided the class into the Red Birds and the Blue Birds? No secret. Everybody knew if you were a Red Bird you were special, smart, superior. And if you were a Blue Bird? You were, well, not so cool. Truth be told, we grow up, but things don’t change much. The difference is the groups are now called the “Haves” and the “Have Nots.” The Haves get up in the morning, eat breakfast, do morning stuff, eat lunch, do afternoon stuff, eat dinner. Then, most evenings, they eat a snack while watching the tube. The Haves go to bed with full bellies. Satisfied. Comfortable. It’s expected—a way of life. Then, there are the Have Nots. They get up in the morning and open the refrigerator. Empty. They look in the cupboard. Nothing. They dig in their purse. Five bucks, maybe.

Lydya says Food Drive 101 A food drive is a collection of dry foods: canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, condiments, macaroni and cheese— any nonperishable item. Food drives bring in anywhere from ten pounds to ten thousand pounds of food, or more. Food drives are organized anywhere and everywhere: schools, churches, small social clubs (such as Bridge), large service clubs (such as Rotary), small offices, large organizations, community theatres, community events, small gatherings in private homes, large gala balls. The only limit is creativity and willingness to help people who are hungry. In these tough economic times, with prices going higher and higher, even with food stamps, it’s harder and harder for our seniors and grandparents who live on fixed incomes to buy food. So the more food we collect, the healthier they will be—both psychologically and physically. Every can, every box, every jar helps.

The good news is—if there is good news about hunger— through food drives, The Pantry of Broward helps feed the Have Nots. And so can you.

Chapter 15 | Food Drives

105

1. Select a date.

It may be over several days or even weeks. Remember seniors and grandparents ALWAYS need food.

2. Notify Michael.

Call him at 954-358-1481 Ext. 117 or email him your intent and your logo: Michael@ thepantryofbroward.org. The Pantry’s staff is more than willing to help you with your plan.

3. Publicize your food drive at least two weeks in advance.

5. Select Collection Sites Sites.

Collection sites should be convenient and highly visible. Lobbies, cafeterias, and other well-traveled locations are excellent spots for collection boxes. Boxes are the most convenient way to collect food.

6. Deliver Your Food.

After your food is collected, call Michael to let him know when you will drop off your food to:

Michael will help with signs and flyers. Post signs in well-traveled areas of your building(s). Lobbies, cafeterias, mailrooms, and coffee areas are perfect locations. The Pantry will help you write a professional press release.

4. Collect canned and dry goods. The following items are ALWAYS needed: Jelly

Oatmeal

The Pantry of Broward

Peanut butter

Beef Stew

610 N.W. Third Avenue

Spaghetti Sauce

Jell-O

Ramen Noodles

Chili

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Spaghetti Os

Pasta

OR, if you can’t drop it off Michael will arrange for a pickup.

Hamburger Helper

Tuna

Cereal (unfrosted))

Ravioli

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

It’s just that easy.

Canned Meats

106

The Pantry of Broward

Katrina says: Community Volunteers Network Bank of America supports the community through dollars. But we do so much more: we maintain a nationwide network of associates—Community Volunteers Network— who volunteer their time and talents to help nonprofits. Our volunteer opportunities are equal and open to associates on all levels. In 2011, a 1.5-million-hour volunteer challenge went out to our associates, and they knocked it out of the park. Associates do not volunteer for fame or recognition. They volunteer because it is in their hearts. So, because volunteering is so important to our associates—because it is so important to Bank of America as an institution—associates receive paid time off for volunteering.

Great Partner Each year, Bank of America does a community needs assessment in each of our forty-five major markets and nationally through our foundation. In 2011, we discovered that there are three core areas of need: hunger, housing, jobs. Thus, it is important for us to, in part, focus our volunteer efforts on hunger: specifically, in Broward County, food drives for The Pantry. Our own team member Steve Daigle, Vice President and Consumer Market Manager Metro Fort Lauderdale Market, even volunteered to sit on The Pantry’s Board of Directors. Obviously, Bank of America is a very large organization. Still, The Pantry makes it easy for us to conduct food drives. They do everything from helping us with kickoff announcements, to supplying flyers, to picking up food at each of our seventy-three banking centers. The Pantry is a great partner, and we plan to continue our support.

Chapter 15 | Food Drives

107

The video was beyond moving. Penny talked about The Pantry and shared stories about the grandparents and seniors they serve. Then she said, “Peanut butter and jelly donations are the quickest way to help.”

Christy says: I Hear You, God I could easily provide you with a play-by-play of what transpired throughout Potential Church’s food drive, but a more accurate account is to tell you that God, with His own hands, orchestrated every detail. I am humbled to say that because my work days well surpassed the 15-hour mark, I was caught up in my own world. But my inbox was inundated with emails from The Pantry expressing the extreme need for food. Stated simply: their shelves were empty. Still, I went about my business and justified my position by thinking: I just don’t know how I can help…I’m just too overwhelmed…I’m just too busy…I’m just this… I’m just that.

The moment the projector stopped running, Pastor Troy Gramling stepped to the podium and said, “Don’t wait! These seniors need help NOW. After our service, go directly to the store, buy as much peanut and butter and jelly as you can, and bring it back to the church TODAY.” Our congregation responded by cleaning out the peanut butter and jelly from every grocery store within a ten-mile radius of the church. Earlier in the week, Penny told us that receiving 400 jars of peanut butter and jelly would be amazing. Well, Monday morning a team delivered the peanut butter and jelly members of Potential Church collected . . . over 4,000 jars!

Well, no sooner did I put my thoughts aside and return to my busy day than my phone rang. The caller was Holly Brown from Potential Church. Holly explained just that morning the Potential team held a staff meeting and decided that we, as a church, needed to show our love to the elderly. This was no coincidence. I hung up the phone and said, “Okay. I hear You, God.” Please guide us and show us the way.” How everything came together was nothing short of a miracle: immediately, volunteers worked together harmoniously and seamlessly; by Thursday evening, a team was ready to shoot a video of Penny and The Pantry; by Friday at 8 a.m., the video was finished; by Saturday evening’s first church service, we were ready to go.

108

The Pantry of Broward

Jim says: Best EVER As the United States Post Office Branch 1071, Union Steward and Food Drive Coordinator for North Broward, I’ve been involved with food drives for over fifteen years. So I speak from experience when I tell you that Michael and his crew are the best I have EVER worked with.

Because The Pantry was new to food drives they didn’t know exactly how to coordinate the details. I told them, “Don’t worry. I’ll be there. My carriers will be there.” But surprise, sur-prise: NO PROBLEMS. They ran with it.

Postal carriers are proud. They love to give back to the public. As a result, Post Office food drives are very successful. During the last fifteen years, we collected over a billion pounds nationwide and a million pounds in South Florida alone. In South Florida, a good deal of the credit goes to The Pantry.

Michael and his crew are very dedicated, very reliable, very organized, very proud, and very responsible. They make my job easy—so easy that the second year I left town for my wedding and didn’t worry a minute.

NO PROBLEMS

I wish I could clone The Pantry for EVERY postal station food drive.

Chapman @ To volunteer call Lydya

Here’s how it all started: About six years ago, the Post Office decided to try an experiment to support private agencies through our food drives. I was lucky enough to get The Pantry. From day one, Michael was VERY responsive to my questions. Then when he told me The Pantry takes care of seniors and grandparents raising grandchildren, I was really hooked because one of my routes is seniors on fixed incomes. I see their needs up close and personal every day. Perfect. The Pantry touched my heart. We were off and running.

Chapter 15 | Food Drives

109

110

The Pantry of Broward

16

CHAPTER

Y-O-U ARE IT

ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO, THREE POTATO, FOUR, FIVE POTATO, SIX POTATO, SEVEN POTATO, MORE. Y-O-U Are It.

Water Bill

One dollar . . . Five dollars . . . Ten dollars . . . A hundred dollars . . . A thousand dollars . . . Ten thousand dollars . . . And, well, even more.

“Nah, that’s alright,” he said. But one thing led to another and pretty soon he agreed.

Every dollar helps.

Well, after he saw everything we do he said, “Know what? I pay my water bill on Sistrunk every single month, and when I do I’m going to bring you a little money.”

Veralynne says:

And every single month he does bring us a little money; and every single month we say, “So glad your water is still on! Thank you so much.”

Right Place The last appearance Bruce Harris made on TV, he said to the NBC 6 audience, “It’s time to get your fanny up off that couch and donate.”

Happy Dance

Weeks later, I opened a letter that included a small check. The donor wrote: I heard this man on TV. I don’t know if this is the right place, but I got my fanny up off the couch and wrote a check. I wrote back immediately: This IS the right place. We thank you so much. It’s been over a year now, and she still sends checks. Each time I write back: We’re so glad you didn’t wear out that couch yet. We love her, and she loves us.

Then, there’s the gentleman who walked in one day and asked to see a brochure. I said, “Sure. No problem. But let me give you a tour.”

It’s the small donors—the ones who give five, ten, twenty, thirty dollars every month or every other month—that get us through the hard times. They make the difference. They make our payroll. They pay our electric bill. Some months we don’t know what we’re going to do. Then, I open the mail and out falls a small check. Voila! We do the happy dance. Thing is, often small donors have more month than money themselves. But they know somebody who is raising grandkids; they see the struggles; so they contribute more from the heart than the pocketbook.

Chapter 16 | Y-O-U Are It

113

BUY ONE GET ONE

Mr. BOGO

Veralynne Continues

FREE

Now let me tell you about Ed McKenzie. We call him Mr. BOGO.

Leanest Time Do we need small donors in the summer? Oh my word! Everybody is warm and fuzzy around holiday time. But summer is a hard time, especially for our grandchildren. When they’re in school, they qualify for a free breakfast and lunch. But, low and behold, they want to eat in the summer, too. Now hear this: schools are out so they don’t hold food drives; snowbirds are back up north; families are busy with vacations; churches are busy with Bible school. But The Pantry? We’re right here, right now. We still have to feed our seniors and grandkids. PLEASE! Remember The Pantry in the summertime. It’s our leanest time. That’s when we need food most.

Thank You! BJ and I write personal thank-you notes to each donor, not asking them for more, simply thanking them for what they did.

One day Ed had a brainstorm: HMMMM. You know those “Buy One—Get One Free” signs in grocery stores? Well, what if I buy one and donate the free one to The Pantry?

Bingo! Ed was a man on a mission. But he wasn’t the only conquistador. Ed is legally blind and can’t drive. He rides the bus. Shortly after he started his venture, his bus mates became his business mates—all galvanized to join Team McKenzie to buy one and donate the free one to The Pantry. In just six months, Team McKenzie donated ONE TON of food. And today, one year later, Team McKenzie has donated almost 8,000 pounds—can you say FOUR TONS?!—of food to The Pantry.

Christmas in July It is, of course, also nice—VERY NICE—to receive large donations. They are a present tied with a big fancy bow. When we get big donations, it’s like Christmas in July around here.

Tours We’re not always sure how people hear about us, but we do know tours make a difference. When donors see their dollars at work—when they see our operation—they’re hooked. So, Come on Down!

114

The Pantry of Broward

Mr. BOGO

Katrina says: Proud Bank of America donates to The Pantry because it is different from other food pantries. Not only does it provide food, it offers services that teach clients how to become independent citizens in our community.

taking a bunch of friends “I like to give back. So instead of o are in a pinch.” to lunch, I do it for our seniors wh - Ed McKenzie

The Pantry has moved mountains in a short amount of time. You don’t see that in many organizations, whether they be for-profit or nonprofit. During its five brief, but busy, years The Pantry has demonstrated that it is lean and mean. Very efficient. Thus, more funds are available for serving clients. Given The Pantry’s model of efficiency and effectiveness and its mission, we at Bank of America are proud to donate unrestricted dollars from our foundation and volunteer hours from our Community Volunteers Network.

Chapter 16 | Y-O-U Are It

115

17

CHAPTER

STAR LIGHT

118

The Pantry of Broward

“WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHO YOU ARE.”

-From “Pinocchio”

Stories change the world. And now, dear reader, you have read The Pantry’s story. Most stories, appropriately, end with The End. But like The Pantry itself, its story is different. It won’t end when you close the book and switch off the light. The need to help fixed-income seniors and grandparents raising grandchildren will continue. Truth be told, with the population continuing to age, it will grow. Explode. The dream that was born in Penny’s backyard came true. Didn’t it? Now it must be sustained. Nurtured. Encouraged. Loved on. The Pantry closes its eyes. It gazes at a star—the first star—the North Star.

It wishes for its future . . .

Chapter 17 | Star Light

119

Star light Star bright First star I see tonight I wish I may I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight I wish . . . I wish . . . I wish for . . . Countywide, statewide, nationwide acknowledgement of the reality that without me grandparents raising grandchildren will once again be cast aside, neglected, even forgotten

National foundations willing to invest in me More grant money—period Gifts of stock

Widespread respect for grandparents raising grandchildren

Vehicle donations: cars, trailers, boats, RVs

A national spotlight on the struggles and needs of grandparents raising grandchildren

Employers who are willing to match employee contributions

Common understanding that I do not enable my clients—I empower them

Fundraising events—both corporate and private

Expansion of my services

A full-scale, 21st century, successful, social media campaign

Enough money to be independent, self-reliant, everlasting Resources that will allow me to serve the 250 prequalified people already on my waiting list The day I don’t have a waiting list Many, many more food drives Fully stocked shelves, every day An unlimited supply of peanut butter and jelly

Many, many more enthusiastic, committed senior and junior ambassadors Many, many more C-Noters Many, many more volunteers Underwriting dollars for Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style Silent auction items donated to Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style

Thanksgiving turkeys

Dancers for Dancing with the Stars, Pantry Style

Christmas gifts for my grandchildren AND grandparents

Soap, lotion, small toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste for Bella’s Bags

Donated recyclable food bags

More people to “Come on Down!” and take tours

A professional grant writer

120

An endowment grant

The Pantry of Broward

More people who, like BJ, are personally involved A Tree of Life with every leaf sold Increased news coverage on TV and radio and in newspapers Doctors, dentists, optometrists, hearing specialists, and other medical professionals who are willing to provide one or two appointments, without charge, for my seniors A staff that continues to work together as a family More agency partnerships A Board with greater fundraising skills Young, hip, gung-ho professionals who are willing to serve on my Board and guide me as I evolve from a grassroots, local upstart to a more sophisticated national nonprofit Growth that is steady, well-planned, efficient, and effective Eventual expansion of my successful model to the entire state of Florida and even nationwide Ongoing compassion. Charisma. Determination. Daring. Grit. Generosity. Heart. Humility. Intelligence. Independence. Love. Laughter. And please don’t forget chutzpah. I am, after all, BJ Buntrock’s true legacy.

So, dear reader, the question is this:

How will YOU help make The Pantry’s wishes come true? You can, you know.

Chapter 17 | Star Light

121

BETWEEN THE LINES

“INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE ONE DROP. TOGETHER, WE ARE AN OCEAN.” -Ryunosuke Satoro

Thank you, BJ, for your interest in telling The Pantry’s story. Thank you for selecting me to be its storyteller. I’m hon honored. Through its story, The Pantry will continue to reach out and touch the tomorrows of seniors and grandparents raising grandchildren. Thank you, Penny, for your trust. Your courage. Your humor. Your friendship. And by the way, YOU had ME from hello. Thank you, Veralynne, for being my bestest phone friend and roving reporter extraordinaire. Thank you, Terrence, for sharing your vanguard techno skills. Thank you, Lydya, for helping me coordinate interviews. Thank you, Contributors, for graciously, generously, and candidly opening your hearts and minds. Thank you for sharing your personal stories—stories that are indelibly written into The Pantry’s collective story. Thank you, Tom Hostage and Mike Marschke, for bringing the story to life through compel-ling design. Thank you, Dee Moustakas, for your attention to proofreading details. Thank you, Chuck Schwabe, my husband and friend, for supporting and promoting my unwavering quest to be the best personal historian on the planet.

Photo by Erin Camp

And, now, The Pantry: thank you, Pantry, for showing us that BIG dreams really do come true.

A STORY IS LIKE A STAR: IT IS BORN IN THE PAST, ILLUMINATES THE PRESENT, AND WILL SHINE IN THE FUTURE. -J.R. Carroll

Judith Kolva, Ph.D., is a personal historian, founder, and CEO of Memoir Shoppe. She is a trusted interviewer, expert researcher, gifted writer, and talented speaker who travels worldwide transforming precious memories into priceless memoirs.

www.memoirshoppe.com

Please contact Judith at Office: 954.759.4531 Mobile: 954.856.6646 Email: judith@memoirshoppe.com