Sunday, February 28th, was so beautiful outside I hesitated to head inside to cover a story. Fortunately it's a journey I'm glad I made. Upon stepping inside the Bryant Square Park Recreation Center I was greeted immediately by the friendly face of a woman I didn't know with a warm welcome. The aroma of some chili cooking and the sounds of lively activity filled the air. Adult and children were filing in to help support the 13th Annual CARAG Chilly Chili Fest, the proceeds of which were going to support the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf.
Everyone was fabulous; some of the friendliest people I've met in a long time. This was especially surprising considering I didn't know anyone at this event. By the end I walked away having met so many new people.
I shot a little video that you can view below. I decided to take some pictures of the volunteers working in the kitchen and I was so happy to see Meg Tuthill, one of the newly elected council members, cooking in the kitchen. For those who may not know, Meg is the newly elected representative for Ward 10. This was the first time I'd seen an elected official toiling at a charity event. Most of the time they’re present more in the "meet and greet" role, as though we should be glad they graced us with their presence. How refreshing to see a city leader truly working in the community with no lights, camera or fanfare. Tuthill seems like the real deal.
The chili was so enticing; I had to purchase a bowl. You probably can't tell from the video, but it was pretty dang good. If I hadn't been in public I would have been tempted to lick the bowl clean.
View video below:
