Calvary’s Mission fundraises to build a grocery-store-type pantry in Queens

Patrons came out in their finest attire last Friday to support the 16th Annual Calvary’s Mission Food Pantry Gala Dinner, whose undertaking was to raise much-needed cash to end food insecurity through a pantry-forward initiative.

The charitable cause, very close to the hearts of the sold-out crowd, was the first to attract so many supporters since its inception.

The Dyker Beach Golf Club in Brooklyn served delicious food while popular DJ music entertained patrons. All in the spirit of giving to the less fortunate, thousands stand in long lines every Saturday at 102-16 89th Ave., Richmond Hill, pantry for groceries to feed their families.

The grand evening, guided by lovely Caribbean Life contributor Tracey Khan, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, exuded elegance during its hour-long presentation, including a silent auction. Designer FeNoel donated items showcased by models Stacey Godchild and Tony Hylton. The items raised hundreds of dollars for the charitable cause. A Louis Vuitton handbag and many other prizes worth thousands were presented to lucky raffle winners.

Model Stacey Godchild and Tony Hylton display hats donated by Grenadian fashion designer Fe Noel for the silent auction. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tony Singh explained that the executive body hopes to expand Calvary’s Mission Food pantry and call it ‘pantry-forward,’ where people don’t have to stand in line. “They can come and shop as if they are in a supermarket. They will enter and select whatever food items they want instead of having to stand in line at the Saturday distribution,” said Singh.

“Our aim is to open four days a week. Names will be entered into a database alphabetically for scheduling at the supermarket. Senior residents will have a timetable in which they can comfortably shop freely at the supermarket pantry, which will be stocked with numerous grocery items,” he said.

Singh, who has been leading the pantry for more than 20 years, praised the brilliant initiative, which would allow a smooth process and, in a humanitarian way, ensure everyone leaves with their choice of food items, alleviating the stress of a Saturday-only distribution.

“With this idea of pantry forward, we could give clients the opportunity to choose what they want.” He further shared that the new building will cost millions of dollars and provide services and resources to help residents thrive through skills training.

Singh, the owner of “Four Seasons,” a manufacturing business in NYC’s garment district and a beloved humanitarian, said getting this building is essential to the pantry. “It’s not only about handing out a bag of food; that would only be putting a band-aid on the issue of food insecurity.”

“We want to help people more holistically in job training, sewing, resume building, housing acquisition, computer literacy, providing legal assistance, and addressing mental illness.”
“This is our undertaking for Calvary’s Mission. We have been doing this for over twenty years, and this gala is growing stronger every year. We want to thank everyone who supports us and comes out and helps us in this way,” said Singh.

“Calvary’s Mission can only achieve its goals with generous donations and support from businesses like yours. Your gift will make a huge impact towards achieving our goals. Without these donations, serving those in our communities would not be possible,”  Singh stated.

Kevin Sookdeo, who has served on the Board of Directors and has been instrumental in ensuring that the pantry runs efficiently every Saturday for the past sixteen years, explained that the pantry started small and has expanded over the years. This year, there was a larger turnout at the gala than in previous years.

“This is all attributed to the support of friends, family members, volunteers, and the community at large, adding that monetary gifts are always appreciated, but more than anything, we want to be able to spread awareness of the issue at hand, that is food insecurity.”

“I have been doing this for sixteen years, and I hope to be doing it until I am no longer on this earth,” said Sookdeo, a lawyer by profession and a true humanitarian alongside his father-in-law Tony Singh, who both have a fierce passion for giving back, and serving residents of the Richmond Hill pantry neighborhood and people from also outside of the boroughs.

All in the family, the grandchildren of Tony Singh had a stroke of luck, winning two hefty baskets of goodies after purchasing raffle tickets, during Calvary’s Mission Food pantry’s 16th Annual Dinner Gala in Brooklyn. From left, Alexander, Sanai, and Victoria.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The evening gala, attended by Mrs. Sheryl Singh, daughter Nadia Sookdeo, grandchildren Alexander, Victoria, and Sanai, and scores of friends, family, longtime friend and volunteer award-winning Fashion Designer Roger Gary, volunteers, and donors, made a significant impact on the food pantry’s goal to succeed in its efforts to help the community.
Bill Wong, Farida, and Rudy Manoharlall were other board members present.