News
September 19, 2019Century House Donates One Million Meals
With last month’s guests, The Century House in Latham reached a significant milestone in its sustainable giving program called Enjoy One Share One (EOSO). Since the program began in 2009, The Century House has provided one million meals through the Regional Food Bank of N.E.N.Y. to help alleviate hunger in the community. The milestone was marked on Saturday, August 24 when long-time guests Christine, Jim, and Eric were surprised with a complimentary dining experience as they learned they were the millionth meal guests. In celebration of the milestone, all guests in the dining room during the announcement enjoyed a champagne toast provided by the restaurant.
Managing Partner, Colin DeMers established the EOSO program to address an immediate need in our community during the recession of 2008. Through the program, The Century House provides a meal in honor of every guest who enjoys an entrée in the restaurant or at an event, or who spends a night in one of the hotel rooms. “Enjoy One Share One has become part of who we are,” said DeMers. “This milestone is bittersweet for The Century House family as the need still exists within our community and beyond.”
In addition to providing meals through the Regional Food Bank of N.E.N.Y., staff members from The Century House volunteer their time throughout the year to provide meals at several soup kitchens and community meal events. DeMers recalled, “During our first soup kitchen meal, I spoke with a gentleman whom I’d known for years as one of our restaurant guests. Delighted to see him, I initially thought he was there to volunteer, but quickly realized he’d fallen on hard times and attended as a guest.” The experience reminded him that the program has impacted so many people in countless different ways. When the call for volunteers goes out, the staff is quick to sign up to do their small part as many know the program is helping local neighbors and friends.
In any month, over 355,000 individuals are served by the Food Bank’s member food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. “Enjoy One Share One has allowed the Food Bank to help countless people throughout the past ten years,” said Mark Quandt, Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with The Century House and congratulate them on reaching such an impressive milestone. This program is a great example of how one idea can grow over time to make a major impact.”
DeMers concluded by saying, “We believe the patriarch of our family, Jim O’Hearn – whose dream it was to serve great meals within his home – would brim with pride to know that his family continues the tradition of feeding the community in his home and beyond his doors.”
The Century House has a lot to celebrate as it will also mark its 70th anniversary as an independent, family-owned business later this year. Owners and management plan to celebrate both milestones by expanding the EOSO program to include guests who purchase a take-out meal. They are also planning employee celebrations later this year and an Open House event for the public in November. To learn more, visit www.TheCenturyHouse.com.
