Providing free hot meals can be a true gift for a community in the wake of a natural disaster, offering nourishment, comfort and energy during a time of extreme stress. First responders, who work long hours under physically demanding conditions, rely on hot meals to maintain their strength and focus while managing emergency operations. For disaster victims, access to hot meals provides immediate relief, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and care amidst chaos. Sharing a meal can foster a sense of community, offering emotional support to all those affected by the disaster.

Recognizing this need, Bennett’s Creek Sertoma Club selected Mercy Chefs as the recipient of its 2024 Sertoma Club Grant. Mercy Chefs is a disaster and humanitarian relief organization dedicated to serving restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers and first responders in natural disaster and emergencies. The nonprofit organization was started by Chef Gary and Ann LeBlanc in 2006 after witnessing the devastating impact Hurricane Katrina left on Gary’s hometown of New Orleans.

Although Mercy Chefs has a global reach, its headquarters is located in the same Virginia community served by the Bennett’s Creek club. The club’s members not only selected Mercy Chefs for its grant but also added an extra $2,500 from their own funds, increasing the total contribution to $4,500. This generous support will help communities during their most critical time of need.

Club Treasurer Jonnathan Foster and Board Director Leonard Provost presented the check to Mercy Chefs in March. To learn more about Mercy Chefs, visit MercyChefs.com.