An even happier ending to our Friends Membership Survey

Times seems to go by more slowly during the age of corona-virus so it may seems like ages ago that we announced that the winner of our membership survey drawing was Friend, Judith Angrisano.  As you will recall Judith had decided to donate her $25 gift certificate prize to a local food bank and the Board of the Friends of Silver Springs State Park (FSSSP) voted to match her donation. On May 23, we were able to follow through on this wonderful gesture when FSSSP Treasurer, Marty Schwartz and wife, Barbara, delivered the check to grateful staff members at Brothers Keeper, a ministry of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala. Director, Jason Halstead and Soup Kitchen Manager, Sister Concepta were on hand to receive the donation.

The soup kitchen serves a free noon meal every day of the year to 150 - 300 needy people and have not missed a day of this much-needed service in 17 years. Funds are raised through donations and through sales at the Brothers Keeper Thrift Shop where the free food pantry is located. In addition, a Brothers Keeper Outreach Program helps those in need with utilities and rent. The Schwartz’s, who are Friends and volunteers at Silver Springs State Park have also been volunteering at the soup kitchen for several years. They say that they are always amazed at the scope of care provided to the Ocala community. The Friends are happy to celebrate and support this wonderful spirit of volunteerism and giving exemplified by Judith, Marty and Barbara and so many of our members. Thanks for all you do! Anyone interested in supporting Brothers Keeper can send donations to Jason Halstead, Director, 320 NW 10th Street, Ocala FL 34470.