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On December 13, 2008, SCIF Humanitarian Services, through its Sportsmen Against Hunger program, created a mini-miracle on 32rd Street. The event was SCIF’s participation in a Sportsmen Against Hunger/Hunt.Fish.Feed event at the Grand Central Neighborhood Center in mid-town Manhattan, where nearly 300 needy individuals enjoyed a break from the cold and a nutritious high-protein meal of game meat.
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Central New Jersey Chapter
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Sportsmen Against Hunger in New York City
By Gene Rurka, Chairman, SCI Foundation Humanitarian Services
New York City--the greatest city in the world--where it is said that one can find everything– regrettably, hunger is included.
On December 13, 2008, SCIF Humanitarian Services, through its Sportsmen Against Hunger program, created a mini-miracle on 32rd Street. The event was SCIF’s participation in a Sportsmen Against Hunger/Hunt.Fish.Feed event at the Grand Central Neighborhood Center in mid-town Manhattan, where nearly 300 needy individuals enjoyed a break from the cold and a nutritious high-protein meal of game meat.
Our debut Sportsmen Against Hunger event for our upcoming 2009 Humanitarian Services season provided a warm up – shake down – opportunity for the next six events in 2009. Donation deliveries – signage – recipes, all a dress rehearsal for the upcoming cities where thousands of needy individuals would soon savor a hot meal of nutritious protein and a few moments of rest from the tragedies of an economic downturn and life on the streets.
The food preparation starts early - pots large enough to bath a child or take a reasonable sponge bath – were filled with venison, elk, bison, or any combination of game species with adequate ingredients to make a hearty meat-filled chili. The aroma fills the kitchen and spills into the dining hall. Central New Jersey SCI chapter members and staff of the Sportsman Channel help provide the needed labor force for serving our guests.
I must confess, I was not comfortable in my initial conversation with our host facility. Deep down my initial apprehension of not being able to prepare hundreds of pounds of chili caused me to stop by one of my favorite locations in New York City and ask for “a little help from my friends”. On my way into town, I placed a phone call to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s kitchen chef’s office, where for nearly a decade I have had the privilege of working with some of the worlds finest gourmet chefs. After a few minutes of pleasantries and “what are you doing”, I asked for some assistance. Without hesitation the Waldorf kitchen team eagerly volunteered a few chefs to assist as needed. A quick drive-by allowed me to pick up Chef Will Lustberg and Gereon Douglas and off we went to the Neighborhood Center.
The event became part of our Sportsmen Against Hunger program history as our last recipient walked through the kitchen serving area. The “thanks” were non-stop – the words of appreciation were continuous and the “God Bless You” were numerous. But the most interesting statement of the day had to be “Hunters in New York City – sharing with us, right here in New York City – Thank You, Bless you all”. I’d like to second that thought.
As Chairman of Humanitarian Services, I, along with Steve Rilenge, Vice Chairman of Sportsmen Against Hunger, receive feedback as passionate as those quotes cited above. Our SCIF members continue to show their compassion through good and bad times. More than ever as our economy and the world’s financial difficulties have severely inhibited the donations of food products, the highly nutritious protein meals that were provided gave hope to those who had very little to look forward to during the holiday season.
I would like to thank everyone who participates in all our Sportsmen Against Hunger events throughout the country. I assure you that your efforts are noticed and deeply appreciated.
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