Dave Neff, right, of Kosciusko Community Senior Services accepts 45 free meals from several volunteers at Oakwood Resort Thursday, May 14. InkFreeNews photos by Phoebe Muthart

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Despite heavy rain and thunderstorms, Oakwood Resort gave away 350 free meals Thursday, May 14, in Syracuse.

About 50 cars were lined up before 4 p.m. when the meals were given away. The curbside pick up was for those in need or anyone who needed a meal. Also, 45 the meals were given to Kosciusko Community Senior Services for Retired Tigers’ residents in Warsaw.

Kelly Lee, left, of Stanz FoodService, and Christian Wilson, middle, of Oakwood Resort, take food out of warmers to prepare to giveaway, as Rex Heil of Keller Williams, one of the sponsors, looks on.

The meals consisted of cajun pasta with chicken, smoked andouille sausage, alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese and a breadstick.

“We enjoyed doing it last time, and we wanted to do something closer to home,” said Christian Wilson, sales and marketing manager for Oakwood. He said people asked how they could help the Syracuse community, adding, “We had a lot of requests.”

The sponsors were: Oakwood Pier and Back Porch, Stanz Foodservice, The RGroup Real State/Keller Williams, Rex A. Heil/Keller Williams, Crossroads Bank, Metropolitan Title, Gold Key Inspection Services, Ritter Electric, Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, Total Property Care, Chris and Tammy Cotton, Five Star Distributors, and Northwest Bank.

Stanz Food Service, South Bend, donated all the food. “Stanz is all about helping out the community,” said Kelly Lee, sales manager for Stanz.

Real estate agents with Keller Williams Realty and The RGroup Real Estate Team helped volunteer to hand out food. As part of Keller Williams’ annual Red Day, six agents helped distribute the free meals. “You give where you live,” said Angie Racolta, Owner/CEO, The RGroup Real Estate Team.

Oakwood Resort in Syracuse gave away 350 free meals Thursday, May 14. Shown are the volunteers that helped with the free meal giveway.