David Krepcho is the CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank and he will be retiring in January. Staff organized a party in his honor in the Second Harvest warehouse.
For those who are not aware, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 550 feeding partners in six Central Florida counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Last year, with the help of numerous donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributed enough food for 73 million meals to partner programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, day care centers and Kids Cafes.
Local musician Beth McKee performed on piano as people filtered into the venue. She is the President of the Swamp Sistas La La Foundation and a very fine musician.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings declared November 15, 2021 to be David Krepcho day with a decree. All staff of the event wore masks but very few attendees wore masks. After the event I learned that Demings had lifted the mask requirements for city workers. From were I sat I was at least 22 feet from others. The warehouse was thankful quite spacious which offered dilution. It felt good to be back on location sketching an event. I used to sketch on location every day but over the past 20 months this might be the third event I have sketched on location. Most of my attention no is devoted to doing a painting a day documenting the pandemic.
I got to learn quite bit about Dave that I did not know. For instance he got his start working at an Ad agency in Miami. Hurricane Andrew resulted in his interest in with disaster relief programs which lead him to Second Harvest. He is also a rather amazing photographer. Several of my sketches done on location at Second Harvest were framed and offered as a retirement gift. This sketch will be a part of that set. I was impressed the gorgeous frames the staff picked.
Leaving the event I was given a party bag. Inside was a Spoon full of Hope Tomato Basil soup. That is what Pam and I had for dinner that evening. I added some Mozzarella and Pam advised me to add a splash of cream. With a grilled cheese sandwich if made a fine dinner. The soup is made by Second Harvest Food Bank and all proceeds support their culinary training program, a no cost culinary and life skills program that helps those in need become more self sufficient, while pursuing rewarding careers in the food industry.