By Jon Methven

The Advent Food Ministry’s efforts to revamp their kitchen space caught momentum this week as donations poured in. The organization is looking to raise $55,000 through GoFundMe to upgrade their equipment, which will allow it to address a citywide growing hunger-relief issue.

That link again: https://gofund.me/e9e00a4b

The momentum began with an article in West Side Rag on Tuesday. From there, donations poured in as New Yorkers showed up as they always do. A news team saw the article and sent a crew to film a segment on the efforts, which is set to air soon. A local resident, a professional knife sharpener, offered to whet the team’s blades for free. The heartening community spirit comes in the run-up to Advent’s Thanksgiving lunch, which is set to commence this Saturday at noon. As of press time, the fundraiser had reached nearly $23,000.

What a difference a week makes. At the beginning of November, the financial challenge of upgrading the kitchen, including an expensive double convection oven, seemed insurmountable. On Friday, as volunteers cooked turkeys, a secret stuffing recipe from Advent’s oldest volunteer, and packed grocery bags, the kitchen buzzed with possibility — along with the buzz of the knife specialist, who remedied the dull blades. By the end of 2024, the group will increase hot meal output by 40% to serve an influx of New Yorkers in need. The renovation will mean over 500,000 annual meals will be served to families, senior citizens, and anyone in need.

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