OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Dozens of volunteer vehicles lined up at the Ocala Shrine Club today, Sept. 11, to bring lunch to our community’s first responders on this difficult day – the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation.
This year marks the seventh Feeding the Fearless event, where local caterers and drivers team up to honor Marion County’s emergency workers, firefighters and law enforcement. In past years, the caravan of cars has started at Mojo Grill & Catering in Ocala, owned by Feeding the Fearless founder Rondo Fernandez.
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This year, though, the sheer amount of volunteers called for even more space: over a hundred people working to feed 1,370 Marion County first responders, according to Mojo’s administrative assistant Meadow Terry.
On-air personalities from the Mr. Bob Morning Show on 93.7 K-Country and Hunter & Parker from Wind-FM, 352today’s sister radio stations, were among the volunteers.
The location wasn’t the only thing different this year. For the first time, Fernandez got to take lunch to his daughter, who recently became an emergency room worker herself.
“This year is the first year that I get to take one,” said Fernandez. “I get to take one to the ER at Advent[Health]. I’m super excited. Now that I’m a dad of a first responder, this event even means more to me.”
Fernandez started the procession by leading the group in a prayer over the first responders in attendance. He also discussed the importance of supporting local first responders not just today, but every day.
“[Feeding the Fearless] started by us showing just how awesome our first responders are,” said Fernandez. “They take care of us each and every day. We just need to tell them how awesome they are and just love on them.”
Then, the cars started moving. Volunteers circled the shrine club’s parking lot, stuffing their vehicles with food and goodies from multiple area restaurants station to deliver to their assigned destination. After, they dispersed to go make a first responder’s day a little bit brighter.