'Humanitarian' called to serve

Honoree Credits Prayer as His Catalyst to Serve

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	Garvin Stewart and Paula Adesokan watch in amazement as students at Lycee Charles Belair School in Arcahaie, Haiti, rejoice as they taste the water at the newly dedicated water kiosk. Just two and a half months earlier Stewart and his wife (not pictured) had committed to help fund the school’s water project at Food For The Poor’s 2012 Dreams Across The Sea Gala in Atlanta. He was astonished to witness how the gift of life-giving water already was available to approximately 2,000 grateful students.
Related Item: Donate to Bring Clean Water to Haiti

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (May 20, 2014) – Seated in the comfort of his home office, Garvin Stewart quieted his mind as he prepared to meditate on the scripture of Matthew 25:35-40. Feeling an urgent call to action, he swiftly moved to his computer, and searched the phrase “feed the hungry.” Within seconds, his search introduced him to Food For The Poor’s mission. 

“I was pleasantly surprised to see the various flags at the bottom of the [website] page, depicting the Caribbean and Latin American countries that are served,” said Stewart, who will receive the Humanitarian of the Year award Thursday at the 2014 Caribbean American Movers and Shakers Networking Series in Atlanta. “This caught my interest because I was born in Trinidad, so I quickly identified with the focus of Food For The Poor.”

Without hesitation, he called to learn more about the charity’s 2011 Dreams Across The Sea Gala in Atlanta. Stewart’s steadfast commitment to Food For The Poor since that call is why the Caribbean Media Network has chosen to recognize him on May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Caribbean-inspired Stir It Up Restaurant and Lounge in Atlanta.

“I offered to help with no idea of what I was going to do, or for that matter, what I was even getting into,” said Stewart. “I was just humbly following God's lead. He called me to go feed the hungry and I was intent on following His lead. Basically, through prayer, scripture and meditation, I was led to seek out Food For The Poor.” 

Stewart now serves as an ambassador for the charity, in addition to his duties as President/CEO of AlphaGCS Consulting Group. With more than 30 years of experience in information technology and consulting, he represents Fortune 500 Corporations and federal government agencies.

“I’m truly humbled by this recognition and accept it on behalf of the Atlanta Committee – former and current members – the Water Life Hope Board and Food For The Poor,” said Stewart, a Dreams Across The Sea Gala committee member. “We are all movers and shakers as we willingly provide our time, talents and treasures to bring hope and joy to the poor and destitute in the countries we serve.”

The 2014 list of honorees recognizes Atlanta-area philanthropists of Caribbean heritage, who strive to contribute to the multicultural community. Additional honorees include: Oscar Nominated and Grammy Award Winning Platinum Producer, Leslie Brathwaite; Producer of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Princess Banton; Former Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Vin Martin; Black Latino Council Atlanta, Tina Hart; Director of Operations WRFG 89.3 FM, Wanique Shabazz; Southern Division President of Home Depot, Ann-Marie Campbell; President of Panton Capital Holdings, David Panton; President of Georgia Association of Elected Latino Officials, Jerry Gonzalez; DJ and Radio Personality, Chubb Rock; and Chief of Staff at Emory Winship Cancer Center, Dr. Karen Godette. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Pola Cooper and Patrick Mc Bain, founders of the Atlanta Peach Carnival, also known as Atlanta’s Caribbean Folk Festival.

“Food For The Poor is actively committed to reducing poverty and creating possibilities for the poor and the disadvantaged in the countries they serve,” said Stewart. “Partnering with Food For The Poor provides me with an established and reputable conduit through which I can effectively meet the needs of the poor and the destitute.”

To learn more about Stewart’s charity of choice and to take action, please plan to attend Food For The Poor’s 7th annual Caribbean-themed Dreams Across The Sea Gala, presented by The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga., on Friday, Oct. 24.

Paul Goodloe, a meteorologist for The Weather Channel, will serve as master of ceremonies at the Dreams Across The Sea Gala. The gala will feature a cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and a coffee and dessert bar, live music, dancing, a silent auction and giveaways.

For additional information, or to purchase tickets, please call, 1-888-404-4248, or visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/atlanta. This year, gala proceeds will be used to provide access to clean water in Haiti. The need for this lifesaving resource is urgent, as more than 9,000 people in Haiti have died since 2010 from cholera.

Dreams Across The Sea Gala Co-Chairmen are Chris Curry and Saurel Quettan. Additional committee members include Dr. Paula Nelson Adesokan, Scott and Kari Bardowell, Raymond Bazile, Verlyn Britton, Edward Bruno-Gaston, Ed Buckley, Renee Corey-Lubin, Rev. Lebon Faustin, Gina Frasier, Nekeidra Frederick, Jean Hanges, Michele Jean, Loveless Johnson III, Pascale Jones, Sylvia McClure, Nnena Nchege, Dr. Jason Regis, and Garvin Stewart.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.