CHARLOTTE — Soon after the Carolina Panthers took the field in Charlotte, parishioners and volunteers at the diocese’s oldest Catholic church – St. Peter – launched the “Garden of Eat’n” ministry, serving up grilled hot dogs with a smile, just blocks from the stadium to raise money for charity.
As thousands of fans know, the Garden of Eat’n may well be the best tailgate deal in town: Two hot dogs, chips, drink and a cookie for a suggested donation of $7.
Lunch is served before the Panthers’ 1 p.m. Sunday games on Panther blue-clothed tables in front of the historic church on South Tryon Street.
In its 26 years, the Garden of Eat’n ministry has netted over $150,000, with all funds going toward good causes such as Roof Above, a Charlotte non-profit that assists people experiencing homelessness. Additional charities such as Loaves & Fishes, uptown Charlotte shelters, McCreesh Place, and Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte also benefit.
“The Garden of Eat’n has been a great blessing to St. Peter in bringing the parish together as well as raising funds to support those in need in the center city,” says Jesuit Father Tim Stephens, pastor.
The ministry’s leader, Scott Darling, began volunteering 12 years ago when his son looked to fulfill community service hours. He manages more than 20 volunteers at each tailgate, including many of the parish youth. “It’s great to see their energy, and hopefully this gives them a better understanding of the Church and what
Father Stephens and others are trying to accomplish,” Darling says.
Parishioners Joan and Bruce Shearer have volunteered for more than eight years.
“Originally we started because it looked like a fun way to participate in an activity that both enabled us to meet more members of St. Peter’s and generate monies that would help the Charlotte community in diverse ways,” Joan Shearer explains.
It has evolved into much more, she says. “We’re a family and even the first-time volunteers fit into that family seamlessly.”
The Shearers enjoy interacting with the hungry fans who come by year after year. “It brings both home team and opposing team fans to the table, all in good humor,” Bruce Shearer says. “The generosity is humbling. There are more than a few times when a $20 bill has been left for a suggested $5 donation.”
Funds raised at the Garden of Eat’n also support the parish’s “Room in the Inn” ministry, which, in collaboration with Roof Above, welcomes people experiencing homelessness to stay overnight each Tuesday evening, December through March. Volunteers provide meals for eight men and the parish’s Biss Hall provides a warm place to sleep.
“We have used some of these funds each year for items such as air mattresses, pumps, racks for storage, bedding items, toiletry kits and more,” says Glen McLaughlin, Room in the Inn ministry co-chair.
“Funding from St. Peter’s, combined with many volunteers, has impacted the lives of many,” says Lauren Cranford, with Roof Above. “Garden of Eat’n has generated funds needed for our services and has been very impactful in creating community awareness around the issue of homelessness and how Roof Above is working to help men and women find their way home.”
Joan Shearer says the outreach is fulfilling.
“Knowing that the few hours that we give up on a Sunday enables us at St. Peter’s to contribute to genuine needs in the community is priceless. It truly embodies working together as a village to help the marginalized.”
— SueAnn Howell. Provided photos
Learn more
For more information about St. Peter Parish’s Garden of Eat’n ministry, go online to www.stpeterscatholic.org/garden-of-eaten.