KENT—Good times turned into good deeds this week as Gary Kidd and his team of 14 employees at 45 on Main Coffee, Chocolate & Creamery delivered on a promise made to assist the Kent Food Bank with proceeds from the business’ July 13 birthday celebration.
Kidd this week delivered five shopping carts brimming with food stuffs and other needed items to the food bank, greatly boosting the amount on hand for the approximately 110 persons who rely on it. Last week Social Services Director Samantha Hasenflue revealed that donations had sagged in July, a predictable slump during summer months, so the 45 on Main donation was much welcomed.
Kidd said about $1,000 was raised during 45 on Main’s celebration of its first anniversary. A carnival-like atmosphere reigned that day as patrons played games outside, had their faces painted and enjoyed the Touch a Truck event. A DJ played music all afternoon.
Funds were raised through a Dunk Tank, where local notables had volunteered to get “all wet” in the service of the food bank. For $5, visitors could buy three balls that they hurled at a red circle next to the tank in an attempt to dunk the celebrities in a pool of water. Those dunked were the lucky ones that hot July day, when temperatures hovered in the high 80s.
Celebrities volunteering to be dunked were Resident State Trooper Vicki Donohoe, Kent Memorial Library Director Sarah Marshall, state Rep. Maria Horn of the 64th District, First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer, Town Clerk Darlene Brady, Mary Cox from Kent Center School, Kent Chamber of Commerce President Phil Fox, Jean Speck of Kent Volunteer Fire Department and former first selectman, Woody Manes and Kidd, himself.
With money in hand, the business’ employees shopped at Aldi’s in Torrington for food. “We support the IGA here in town on a regular basis,” said Kidd, “but the need is so great, we wanted to make the money go as far as it could.” Aldi’s is a discount grocery.
Kidd said his shoppers purchased some fresh produce, but the emphasis was put on non-perishables, including pet and baby foods. He added that people donating to the food bank often don’t think about those items. “Those add-ons can cost a lot,” he observed.
Kidd remarked that modern living “is scary” for many residents, especially those on fixed incomes. “The food bank is feeding a significant amount of people for such a small town,” he said. “We can’t take things for granted. You may be going along, paying for your house, paying for your car, and then one thing happens, and you need help. Often, we are so completely unaware of another’s position. But if everyone contributes just a little, we can make it better.”
He said 45 on Main hopes to organize other events in the future as fundraisers. Donations to the food bank, either monetary or of food items, are always gratefully received.
The food bank is located on the ground floor at the back of the Community House, 93 North Main St. Donations can be dropped off on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the food bank site or by contacting Social Services, 860-927-1586, and making an appointment. To make a monetary donation, click here.
“Acts of kindness go a long way,” Kidd concluded.
