“Waste not, want not” was an expression my uncle used to use anytime something which to some may have been trash still could be used.

Like in the case of an Atlanta couple who planned an elaborate wedding affair, only to cancel.
What to do now that there was to be no lavish ceremony.

Well, in the words of Uncle Frankie, “waste not, want not!”
So this kindhearted Atlanta couple did what some initially felt was a practical joke.
They invited 200 of Atlanta’s homeless to the catering hall to partake in the meal that surely would have gone to waste.

A kind-hearted Atlanta couple made the best out of a bad situation by donating their daughter's canceled wedding reception to the homeless.

Carol and Willie Fowler decided that the first-rate meal they had reserved for Sunday, Sept. 15 at upmarket Villa Christina restaurant shouldn't go to waste — so they invited 200 of the Atlanta's destitute to join them.

Bosses at Hosea Feed the Hungry charity initially thought the offer to feed their attendees a lavish four-course meal was a practical joke.

But the Fowlers, who have not revealed why daughter Tamara's nuptials were called off just 40 days beforehand, insisted they were sincere — and the event went ahead, albeit with a new list of invitees.

"It was my husband's idea," Mrs. Fowler (said).

"We prayed about it. And when he woke up the next morning, he said, 'We're going to call Hosea Feed the Hungry and ask if we can donate it to the needy,'" she added.

Many of the guests were not accustomed to the gold plates and crystal stemware at Villa Christina, nor the formal presentation of the food.

“The passed hors d’oeuvre were very interesting because the children were wondering, ‘could we take the whole tray, or do we just take one off of the tray?’” said Elisabeth Omilami, CEO of Hosea Feed the Hungry. “So this was an educational opportunity as well, because now they all know how to eat at a four-course meal and the etiquette involved in that.”

Mrs. Fowler said that Tamara was in attendance and also ended up enjoying herself.
"We're very pleased that she's handling it so well. She was delighted to see and know others had an opportunity to enjoy something, rather than allow it to go to waste," Fowler added.

Omilami hopes that others will learn from the Fowler's example, and contact charities before letting an opportunity go to waste.

"The event on Sunday demonstrated how as a community when we come together and live in harmony, we can make a difference. Today is an example of harmony. Hosea Feed The Hungry is very thankful to the Fowler Family and their heart for the poor."

Omilami said. "It is a blessing that this family provided an experience for those who are less fortunate to enjoy an afternoon with their family at one of Atlanta's premiere wedding venues. We are so thankful for their generosity."

The family dubbed the meal as "The First Annual Fowler Family Celebration of Love" and plan to host a similar event, paid for by sponsors, next year.

So not only to stage the event due to their daughter’s cancellation, but to plan on it having it every year.

Surely a wonderful gesture that deserves the honor of Ray’s Ray of Hope for tonight!

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