HERRIMAN, Utah, Dec. 12, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer and Redemption Bar & Grill owner Bryan Ellison were all smiles Wednesday as people carried bags of groceries into Redemption for the Compassion Community Center’s annual food drive luncheon.
“This is a lot bigger crowd than most years,” Palmer said of the Herriman WFH (Work From Home) event. “Maybe double. And they’re still coming in.”
Prior to his election, Palmer founded Herriman WFH, a weekly networking and friendship group, open to all, which dines out weekly and supports different local restaurants. One of their most celebrated luncheons is the annual food and fund drive for the Compassion Community Center’s food pantry, which is always held at Redemption Bar & Grill. This is the fundraiser’s third year.
“Bryan, and his wife, Jaime, are great community partners and this is a beautiful place,” Palmer said of the Herriman hotspot, a popular three-story bar, eatery and entertainment venue. “They’re always ready to step up and support people in need.”
The Ellisons also match food and money donations that come in from the luncheon, doubling the benefit to the Compassion Community Center’s food bank.
Cortney Denison, food bank director, said the fundraisers began when the food bank was just launching and needed everything from groceries to shelves and a freezer. The Ellisons were key in making that happen.
“The difference it made was night and day,” Denison said. “It really helped hold us over when we were new.”
The pantry is now able to assist 40 to 60 local families a week, she said. With the continuing growth, she hopes to add programs or counseling for those battling mental health issues, addiction, or physical abuse, Denison said.
Diners Amy and Teddy Hodges arrived with bags of groceries and a warm winter coat as donations.
“We feel blessed all year, and we love to give back,” Amy said.
“It’s very humbling to see so many good people come together to help,” Teddy added. “The energy in this room is awesome. And the food is really good here.”
Diners William and Shauna Keil agreed.
“The food and service here is excellent,” William said. “We have come all three years. And the support the Mayor gives the community is great. We hope he runs again.”
KUTV anchor Mark Koelbel also attended, representing Channel 2’s support of the pantry, along with Mountain America Credit Union’s Steve Wright, who made a significant cash donation to the Compassion Community Center, as part of a Pay It Forward story to air soon on KUTV News at 10 p.m.
As diners left after the leisurely meal, chatting with friends and clutching packaged leftovers, they walked by stacks of donated groceries surrounding Redemption’s Christmas tree. Ellison said he was proud of everyone’s efforts to make year three a success and is looking forward to year four.
“This luncheon was the biggest by far, and next year will be even bigger,” he said. “People brought a lot of food and made monetary donations.”
Which, again, Redemption will match.
“There were a lot of good people here,” Ellison said with a smile. “And being a good person is contagious.”
Redemption Bar & Grill is a proud sponsor of Gephardt Daily and supporter of independent local journalism in Utah.
