On the day of the event, the Citizen Hotel’s restaurant was transformed into a haven of warmth and generosity. The first guest to arrive was a homeless woman who sat alone in the beautifully decorated room for 30 minutes before others began to join her. Kari admitted to having concerns that no one else would show up, but her worries were soon alleviated as more and more guests arrived at the scheduled time.
Among the attendees was a man accompanied by his wife and their five children, all of whom had been struggling to find adequate food. The family was overjoyed at the opportunity to enjoy a delicious and bountiful meal in such an elegant setting. The buffet was filled with gourmet dishes, and the guests expressed their gratitude for the chance to experience a level of dining that was typically out of reach.
Erika Craycraft, one of the homeless guests, praised the Duane family’s remarkable kindness, especially in light of their own personal loss. She acknowledged the incredible generosity required to take a painful situation and transform it into an opportunity to give back to those in need.
Tamara Dotson, a homeless mother, shared her perspective on the event, comparing the exquisite cuisine to the usual fare served at local shelters. She expressed her appreciation for the chef’s culinary skills and the rare opportunity to indulge in such a high-quality meal.
