Sandy Negus has been a volunteer at Bend's Family Kitchen for 30 years, but her husband, Rick, is something of a newcomer: He's been volunteering for just 20 years.
Neither of them wants or seeks recognition for their efforts, but when their fellow volunteers announced they would be hanging up their aprons for the last time at the end of this month, they decided they didn't particularly care what Rick and Sandy wanted: They wanted to let them know how much they meant to them, how much they meant to Family Kitchen, and how much they meant to the community.
“These are very humble people and they don't do it for any reward or accolades or thanks or anything like that. They do it out of the goodness of giving to people,” volunteer Deborah Brewer said.
For 30 years, Sandy has done a little bit of everything: meatloaf, sandwiches, cooking, cleaning.
Rick does the same and lovingly serves as team leader for the “Moody Monday” crew. He organizes volunteers to ensure there is always a crew available to prep, cook and serve food for those who come to the Family Kitchen for a meal.
When I arrived at the family kitchen during prep time and Rick and Sandy found out what their coworkers had done, they wanted nothing to do with it.
For 30 years, it wasn't about the recognition, the accolades or the praise, and when it came time to retire, that didn't change. For Rick and Sandy, it was and always will be about the people they serve and the people they volunteer with.
With a little persuasion, I got them to stand in front of the camera and explain why they've been doing this for 30 years and why they keep coming back.
“I think there's something in the human heart that wants to help other people,” Rick said. “I'm really happy to be here.”
This is one of the most beautiful answers I've ever heard.
Everyone I've spoken to says the same thing: “Rick and Sandy are some of the most humble people you'll ever meet. They give of their time, they give of their talents, and they expect nothing in return.”
After spending a few hours with them, I couldn't agree more.
