Newsletter - 9-01-08

Lady in Charge

Beverly's voice melts in your ear the way fine, dark chocolate melts on your tongue. The first time Beverly called Food Runners the calm command in her tone captured my attention. She spoke clearly, concisely and with the type of enunciation rarely heard from anyone these days save network TV news anchors and formally trained stage actors. After our first few conversations I pictured Beverly as a forty-something executive, wearing smartly tailored suits, no nonsense heels and understated jewelry. Boy, was I wrong! I did the first delivery to her building myself as is my custom any time Food Runners takes on a new pick up or delivery location. I arrived at Sala Burton Residence armed with boxes of fresh fruit donated by the vendors from the Thursday afternoon Crocker Galleria Farmer's Market. I pulled up to the clean, well maintained building on Turk St. in the heart of the Tenderloin. A woman who looked to be in her 70's, wrapped in a beige shawl, wearing a mid-calf length, dirndl skirt approached me. Soft, silver waves caught at the nape of her neck in a bun meandered back from her handsome aquiline face. She looked as if she had stepped out of another era from a far away land. Her appearance reminded me of Golde, the mother, in "Fiddler on the Roof." "Nancy?" the woman inquired extending her hand to greet me at curbside. "I'm Beverly." she continued in the mellifluous voice I recognized from the phone. "This is wonderful. I can’t believe you came so fast. The tenants will be so happy. They really need this food." Beverly is the President of the Tenants Association at Sala Burton Residence. Sala Burton Residence is a public housing apartment building serving approximately 100 low income seniors and disabled adults. Beverly has held her elected position for four years. It's easy to see why. She advocates passionately for her fellow tenants most of whom are in their 60's, 70's or 80's. Beverly does everything from activating the "Remembrance Fund" which supplies flowers in the lobby of the building or at the grave of a newly passed away tenant to researching and finding services like Food Runners. Food Runners began weekly deliveries to Sala Burton Residence at the end of July. Food Runners volunteers love seeing Beverly as much as Beverly loves seeing them. Beverly calls me often now. She calls to say thank you every time a food delivery arrives at Sala Burton Residence.

Food Runners picked up and delivered 117,150 pounds of food in the month of August. Please welcome new donors The Culinary Edge, Fillmore Farmer's Market and Kasa India. Kasa India began donating on a daily basis in mid August. Food Runners volunteers report wonderful smells emanating from their cars when they pick up at Kasa India! Food Runners new truck driver Brian Morgan is doing a spectacular job. In the six weeks he's worked for Food Runners I've received many calls from donors and recipients alike praising his efforts. Tip your hat to Brian next time you see the Food Runners truck.

Festival season and gala seasons are in full swing. Next time you're munching prawns in your tuxedo or gown, or just digging the music in your jeans on a blanket in Golden Gate Park, ask the catering staff or food vendors what happens to the leftover food. Tell them about Food Runners.

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