DETROIT, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – People in the Detroit community enjoyed some holiday cheer Monday ahead of Thanksgiving.
It’s part of the annual Full Plates Full Hearts event, hosted by leaders in Detroit’s hospitality industry. It is the seventh year that this event has taken place.
CBS Detroit
“It started as a welcome to community event for Detroit Shipping Company in partnership with Michigan Restaurant Association and Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association, and then it grew into something much bigger than we could have imagined,” said Chef Petro Drakopoulos.
Chef Petro is one of the owners of Detroit Shipping Company and says it takes dozens of participating restaurants and nearly 50 volunteers, including culinary students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District, to make this event possible.
“We’re really blessed. I mean, every year we get more and more great volunteers,” Drakopoulos said.
“It’s a great experience and a great moment,” said student volunteer Andrea Taylor.
At least 800 plates were prepared, packed and delivered to various non-profit organizations for people in need of a hot meal.
“For me and many other chefs and business owners, this is an opportunity to give back for all the blessings we receive throughout the year,” Drakopoulos said.
CBS Detroit
Meals served by hand fill the hearts of those who need it most.
Drakopoulos said his team plans to host this event in additional Michigan cities next year.
In addition, the DRLA, MRLA and Michigan Hospitality Foundation are also launching the Chef Max Memorial Scholarship, awarded each spring to a Detroit Public Schools Community District student in honor of Chef Max Hardy’s role in creating the Full Plates Full Hearts event. .
Hardy died in February 2023.
