TIFFIN, Ohio (WTVG) – Nearly two dozen Seneca County businesses joined forces Sunday night to give back to their community. Tiffin Together is the name of the event — looking to provide community members with a hot and free meal.
Those receiving the meals say they’re thankful to live in a community like this, while the business owners say it’s just what they do.
“Thank you, thank you to everyone.” said Paula Gamertsfelder, who received a meal.
No one left The Chandelier Community Event Center hungry Sunday night, after more than 20 Tiffin businesses and restaurants came together to supply a meal for anyone that walked through the doors.
“It’s a warm feeling of generosity and warmness of kindness,” said Denny Gamertsfelder, who also received a meal. “It’s a joyful time. These people share the goodness of good food with the people who really need it.”
This all started just a few days ago when one of the business owners started calling around, asking if others would be interested in putting together a meal for the community.
“It’s just amazing to see everybody come together and do something for each other,” said Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson. “It really is.”
Chris Chase with Madison Street Tavern was one of those participating businesses.
“I think the one thing that sets our community apart from others is our collaboration. We’re always willing to work together, we never look at each other as competition,” said Chase. “If we can come together for a common goal — something like this, to put some smiles on some people’s faces, that’s what it’s all about for us.”
People there enjoying the meal, saying they’re grateful for that.
“I’m extremely grateful I get to come here and have awesome food.” said Dino Papagianis.
“It means kindness and love.” said Amaliya Ireland.
“Being that I just moved here, it’s good to get out and network and get to know people from Tiffin and see a lot of friendly and happy faces.” said Richard Craig.
“I tell ya, I am very, very appreciative to be apart of this because any time I don’t have to make a meal is a real blessing to me.” said Paula Gamertsfelder.
Others say it helps to show that there’s still kindness in the world.
“It just filled my heart. I mean, what we’re all going through all over the whole world is a lot, and things like this help you forget about all that for awhile.” said Joan Kauffman.
Around 300 people were served, and many of those people took seconds to go. All of the leftovers were donated to St. Paul’s Church in Tiffin, which operates a community kitchen twice a week.
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-11-17 08:36:00
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