Once a month Oct-March or so, the Montreat Retreat Association has a pancake breakfast and asks for donations for it's "Employee Emergency Fund".
I am staring at my paper (yes I write with pen and paper) and practicing sending MRA loving kindness.
I have been an employee, and was given funds, once, from this fund to pay a doctor bill as I had no health insurance.
I was also turned down once when I asked, being told there was no money available.
Most the the people who prepare and cook the food, do the cleaning and other hospitality work do not make a living wage and do not have health insurance or any paid sick days or vacation days.
They also have not had a meaningful raise in many years.
The Assembly Inn was recently redecorated with donated funds.
MRA chooses buildings over benefits for its bottom workers.
Maybe the development office could ask donors, to give, to pay a living wage.
You could put up a plaque by the time clock.
There is enough.
If MRA can't afford to run the center except by exploiting it's workers something is wrong.
Kindness.
Many wonderful and compassionate people work here, you know who you are and who you are not.
These good folks of the community come and enjoy fellowship and help the least of these.
The breakfast is all you can eat buffet.
The pancakes are made fresh- from a mix that has some whole grains and they use real eggs.
A buttery oil and sugar syrup- those in the know brown bag their own maple. There is real Butter and a marg on the side.
A potato and egg casserole.
If there are home fries, made by Ronnie from left over potato bar, you want to be there!
Grits- not local and they are well cooked- no dairy.
Sausage- what do I know?
A decent plain yogurt , granola and fresh fruit.
Jen ,the amazing head of food service and dining, does buy local when she can.
This is my meal, with a cup of herb tea and orange juice(frozen).
I didn't come to eat.
Kindness.
In the words of the great philosopher Ani DiFranco
"You may have a great philosophy.
and if you can't be kind to people everyday
you know it doesn't mean that much to me."
Linking up with T is for Tuesday to see what others are up to re food and drink around the world.
We have much to be thankful for.
Let's share it.
Comments and Questions always welcome!
