OFM to Celebrate Golden Jubilee – The founder of the Poverello Center Food Bank, Father William Collins, OFM will celebrate 50 years of service to the community with a Golden Jubilee to be held on Saturday, June 26th. The evening will be spotlighted with several proclamations to honor the centers founder and will also feature a sit down dinner with open bar and live entertainment.
The founder of the Poverello Center Food Bank, Father William Collins, OFM will celebrate 50 years of service to the community with a Golden Jubilee to be held on Saturday, June 26th. The evening will be spotlighted with several proclamations to honor the centers founder and will also feature a sit down dinner with open bar and live entertainment.
The Poverello Center Food Bank provides food for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Broward County. Since founding the center in 1987 the need has seen a steady rise and the sad truth is that as of 2010 the center has served over 12,000 clients and now provides food that creates 1,000,000 meals annually.
While serving as Chaplain at Imperial Point Medical Center, Father Collins came to know and minister to the growing number of patients with a little known disease and “Father Bill,” as he is lovingly called by the community, came to realize the hardships that these people were forced to endure. Father soon realized that two of the most basic needs of these humans were food and shelter. He began by giving what little money he had in his pocket to those in need. He soon ran through all of his retirement money and realized that something had to be done. Father began begging to churches, synagogue’s, grocery stores and anyone that would listen. Soon Father Bill and a small group of volunteers formed a not for profit corporation and opened the Poverello Thrift Store. During this time Father Bill taught at a local college and all of his salary went to purchase more food to feed those in need.
Local news anchor, Dave Aizer of WSFL-TV ‘s Morning Show will serve as Emcee for the event. Tickets for the Jubilee are available for purchase on line at Poverello.org or by calling the Poverello Center office at 954-561-3663 during normal business hours.
