Stories and News

Debra Hampton retired from a long career in food service. For 35 years, she worked for IDQ Companies in various capacities, supporting the only two corporately owned Dairy Queens and serving as Director of Training at the company headquarters in Minneapolis. Upon retiring, she wanted to relocate to somewhere with no snow, and Greenville kept popping up in searches. She came, she saw, she relocated, and she eventually discovered Project Host.

Gail Tracy is a retired flight attendant and was looking for something to occupy her time and keep her busy. She wanted to give back to the community, and Project Host was lucky enough to be the place where Gail decided to devote her time.

John Braeunig started working at Project Host in 1992 when the Soup Kitchen was located at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. John would come in every Friday he could to wash dishes. Eventually, he joined First Baptist Church, a partner of Project Host with a standing volunteer engagement on fourth Sundays, and was quickly appointed as Day Captain for the group. Read about why John has dedicated his time to Project Host for 30 years.

Mary Helms, a retired school teacher of 33 years, has been volunteering with Project Host ever since she felt comfortable coming out again after being vaccinated against COVID. Learn about why Mary was chosen as volunteer of the month and why she chooses to spend time at Project Host.

Mary Ann Anderson is a regular face at Project Host, frequently running the drink station during service and doing whatever is needed of her otherwise. Originally from Georgia, Mary Ann moved to Greenville in 2013 and spends a lot of time “piddling” in her yard and spending time with her 15 grandchildren. She started volunteering at Project Host before the COVID lockdown and is delighted to be back.

Jill Mashburn has been serving Project Host as a volunteer and board member for 10 years. Jill is a Sunday day captain and covers Christmas service every year to offer her Gift of Warmth to our guests. She can also be seen at virtually at all Project Host events and advocating for us in the wider community. Learn about how Jill came to love Project Host and why she dedicates so much time to our organization.

Edward (Ed) Dolik worked in the theater for about 40 years and retired slightly early at 60 with the permission of his CFO (aka his wife, Anne). The only condition was that Ed needed to find something to do with his time. He naturally gravitated toward cooking, and ended up earning his culinary degree and volunteering to cook monthly dinners at a church for those in need. Upon moving to Greenville, Ed found his way to Project Host.

Mark and Karen Vollrath have been volunteering for several years with our Soup Kitchen, and we are extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication. They volunteer consistently each week and jump in wherever they are needed. Project Host wanted to know what it is about volunteering in our Soup Kitchen that keeps them coming back week after week.

Valerie and Cassidy Richardson are a mother-and-daughter team from Travelers Rest who wanted to volunteer over the summer and signed up at Project Host. They consistently volunteered each week, typically on Monday or Tuesday, but often whenever they saw a need, and they continue to do so now, into the fall. Project Host wanted to know what it was about volunteering in our Soup Kitchen that kept this pair coming back week after week.