The members of the Tampa Elks Lodge Veterans Committee chaired by Patty Jankiewicz were frustrated that they could no longer visit the VA or have any veterans from VA centers come enjoy dinner at the Lodge. Jankiewicz contacted the recreation director at the James A. Haley Domiciliary, Ryan Nitzsche, and asked about sending a meal to them instead. Nitzsche was instantly on board, as the COVID restrictions made life in “the dom” pretty bleak and the veterans had not been able to feel the support they usually receive from the community. The committee hired Courtney’s Custom Catering, owned by member Courtney Weil, PER, to cater the meal. Each of the 15 veterans were asked to select the meat, sides, desserts, and drink choices they wished to order. On Aug. 20, Weil delivered the food to the parking lot which was as close as she was allowed to get. But she did not just drop off 15 meals — she delivered 15 servings of everything! There were 15 servings of baby back ribs, beef brisket, pulled chicken, bacon green beans, fried okra, baked macaroni and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, peach cobbler, blackberry cobbler, and bread pudding along with plenty of lemonade and iced tea! Nitzsche said the veterans had quite a party and the leftovers were enjoyed all weekend. The bill the committee received for all that food was only $375, $25 per person. Pictured is some of the food that was delivered — brisket, baked macaroni and cheese, and peach and blueberry cobblers.
