It’s been a really long time. That is what everyone says when I ask them how long. Jim Burrell said, “Gosh Jeff, I know it’s been more than 10 years, and probably longer than that.” Judy Hagan couldn’t come up with a specific but said, “I know he has been doing it since before 1999.” And Nick Kestner when asked, shrugged his shoulders and said, “Heck I can’t remember for sure but it’s been a long time.” So it is clear, Rick Buzan has been instrumental in helping a special local charity for a very long time. I surmise the reason nobody really knows how long it has been is because he does it with great humility and very little fanfare. Just the kind of guy who should be highlighted in this column.
Carmel Rotarian and good guy Rick Buzan is a key fundraiser for MAMA’s Cupboard. He takes on the task every November and December, collecting funds through the Rotary Club of Carmel. Some might see it as a tradition; he has been at it so long. Every week, encouraging Rotarians to reach into their pocket and pull out some green. Amazingly, every Rotarian still calls him a friend, even when his hand is out.
The only person who really knows for sure how long Rick Buzan has been raising money for MAMA’s Cupboard is Rick. But, instead I asked executive director Brenda Garrod. She said, “He has been at it a really long time.” I knew that, but she went on with a little more detail. “I have been executive director for 11 years, and he was here before me.” So, it wasn’t hard to get her to tell me about what Rick means to the organization. “He has a servant’s heart,” she said. “He has been a key to raising money and awareness for us. He is a wonderful person and I am blessed to know him.”
MAMA’s Cupboard got its start as a local food pantry for those in need more than 40 years ago. In the last few years, they have set off on their own as an independent, non-profit agency which gathers much more than food. “We partner with the Good Samaritan Network and are a resource and referral agency to assist in many types of services for the local needy,” Garrod said. If you have any questions about MAMA’s Cupboard, or would like to get involved, please call Garrod at 758-1338.