The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, also known as The Center, is all about community partnerships.
The Center and food pantry supervisor 81 year-old, Gloria Cannon, has been especially grateful for the outpouring of love for the food pantry over the past year and half through Covid. Cannon began the food pantry at The Center 15 years ago and regularly served 70 people per month. The volume swelled to over 700 weekly for over a year and continues to serve hundreds weekly.
“We are here because of our generous community and to serve all in our community,” said a statement from The Center. “The families we serve have been blessed to receive fresh produce from Quail Hill Farm, thanks to AFTEE and the Peconic Land Trust. We receive soups from Amber Waves and now delicious lunches from Corey de Rosa and TLC Hot Lunches.”
When the pandemic hit Corey de Rosa’s Yoga business of 15 years, Tapovana Ashtanga Healing Center of the Hamptons, abruptly came to a halt. He had been preparing lunches for his students for many years. Like many, he felt a strong need to help the community. de Rosa decided to try to give back by providing healthy food to those in need. He started small from his own kitchen. The Bridgehampton Lion’s Club offered to help him ramp up his meal count. They donated $6,000 for food and encouraged him to approach The Bridgehampton Community House to work from their kitchen. Lilian Tyree and the BCH board approved the renovation of the old kitchen and de Rosa got busy.
With the continued help and encouragement from The Lion’s Club, and with de Rosa’s generous commitment of his time and energy, TLC Hot Lunches have given away 2,600 meals this year. The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center has been able to share these meals with families in need.
“The Lions Club finds it immensely gratifying to be a small part of a really great effort,” John Battle, President of The Bridgehampton Lions Club. “Lillian Tyree and The Community House board saw the wisdom in renovating their kitchen and providing a workspace for a very intrepid and kind soul. Corey designed and oversaw the renovation and since January has been preparing and delivering hundreds of delicious and healthy meals to many, many families who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Corey’s commitment to helping others is remarkable and The TLC Hot Lunches program has already made a huge difference! It’s a great example of how community can pull together and make good things happen.”