By Liz Leamy
Last Thursday marked another golden moment for many members from Rye, Westchester and local Fairfield County communities as more than 100 people convened at the Rye Presbyterian Church to help support the role, impact and mission of the Bread of Life/Giving Tree Global organization plays in regard to providing food to so many at its annual benefit, with it also being a ministry partner with the Trinity Church in Greenwich.
With love being the theme of this year’s Bread of Life event, goodwill and warmth permeated among the entire group at this event who came together to support, celebrate and honor this vital organization that is based in Rye and feeds more than 30,000 individuals throughout the Westchester County area and beyond on a monthly basis.
The Bread of Life organization’s generosity is made due to the nearly 63,000 pounds of food its leaders and team members rescue from such dedicated area retailers as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Acme and Restaurant Depot on a weekly basis.
The Bread of Life/Giving Tree Global organization, lead by its dedicated Founders and Pastors, Sherri and Pasquale Falco of Rye also delivers food to more than 14 food pantries as well as soup kitchens, shelters and senior centers in Rye and Westchester County on a regular basis.
For the Falcos, along with the entire Bread of Life volunteer team, it’s all about doing whatever they can to help and serve God through their faith, work and commitment to those in need in the local area in an optimal, loving and faith-based manner.
“The mission of Giving Tree Global is to share the love of God by helping those in need,” said Pastor Sherri and Pastor Pasquale Falco.
This lively event was emceed by Rammy Harwood of Rye who spoke about the Bread of Life organization’s impact on the growing number of individuals and families who rely on its plentiful donations, as well as the issue of food insecurity taking place locally and also throughout the U.S.
Sue Fitzpatrick Wexler of Rye, Director of Outreach for the organization, elaborated on this subject.
“The Bread of Life’s mission is based on sharing the love of God by loving one’s neighbor, not only by providing food for the food insecure, but also by making the food recipients, volunteers and everyone we work with feel loved,” said Wexler, who grew up in Greenwich and is a Greenwich High School graduate.
Wexler, meanwhile, acknowledged the Herculean efforts of Pastor Pasquale Falco in regard to the Bread of Life organization, as he has devoted himself to rescuing and delivering food to recipients around the clock seven days a week.
“Pasquale models for each of us what loving well looks like,” said Wexler.
The food at the benefit was a big hit with everyone, with donations having been generously given by such local Rye area establishments as Valtori Pizza Kitchen, Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro, Rye Grill & Bar, Jerry’s Post Road Market Wine and Spirits, Al Dente Pizzeria, Bareburger and the Rye Country Store.
Music at the event was provided by a Rye ‘Dad’ Band which featured several talented musicians from the Rye area.
Conclusively, the Bread of Life holds a pantry every other Monday at its Rye location from 10am to 12pm for those looking to get involved or to participate with its goodwill.
For more information on the Bread of Life organization, please visit: www.givingtreeglobal.org
Bread of Life/Giving Tree Global
65 Orchard Avenue
Rye, NY 10580
914-479-7422
This year’s benefit food donors:
Al Dente Pizzeria, Aurora, Bareburger, Milton Point Provisions, Piazza Pizza, Rafele Rye, Rockridge Deli, Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro, Rye Country Store, Rye Grill & Bar, Sunrise Pizza, Valtori Pizza Kitchen, Village Social, Jerry’s Post Road Market Wine and Spirits, G Griffin Wine & Spirits, Love Cookies by Willow Edwards.
