Owners glad to share Father’s Day proceeds
“It was an interesting year,” Sally Mattausch observed as she stood near the counter of Cornwall Wines & Spirits. “We had to be real flexible.”
Mrs. Mattausch is the co-chairperson of BFF. She and her volunteers provide weekend meals for students who might otherwise go hungry. That hasn’t changed. But what was different about the school year is that the number of students kept fluctuating. She never knew how many kids would be in school. Some weeks everyone would be remote. Other times, a portion of the student body might be quarantined.
Fund-raising was a challenge. BFF’s most lucrative event is the Victorian Tea. It’s usually held in February. But that didn’t happen this year. The annual celebration was kayoed by the COVID restrictions. So BFF was looking for another source of revenue.
In the past, Cornwall Wine & Spirits would donate a portion of its Father’s Day sales to BFF. But this year the business was sold to new owners. Not everything changed. You can still find things on the shelf, and Jimmy Kelly is still an employee.
As Dad’s Day approached, Mr. Kelly asked his employers if they wanted to continue the tradition of sharing profits with BFF. He didn’t have to sell the idea. “They were immediately on board,” he said.
On June 29, Mrs. Mattausch visited the store to pick up a check. As she thanked her benefactors, Sun politely interrupted her. “We’re glad to do something for the community,” he said.
During the summer, the BFF volunteers can take it easy – except that summer ends early this year. School reopens at the end of August, which means that BFF will spring into action in about two months.
“We’re looking for volunteers,” Mrs. Mattausch announced. “We need people to shop, pack, and deliver meals.” Like everyone else, she hopes the coming year will be more typical.
