It was a universal assessment – Rob Blanchard was a valuable asset to wherever he placed his attention. That was recognized on Monday, November 18th as a new Food Distribution Center was dedicated in his memory.
“What a man,” said SAFE Family Services Director Margaret Morton, “He had such humility to serve others. Today, we are here to thank his family for sharing him with us.”
Betsy Hosp described Blanchard as an idea guy, “Rob was a great resource, someone to bounce ideas off.” She went on to describe the process by which Blanchard helped design and write a grant to fund building the new Food Distribution Center.
“Rob was multi-talented,” said Sylacauga Housing Authority Executive Director Sam Royster, “It seemed he knew everything, and when he didn’t, he took steps to know the next time a subject came up.”
Royster told the crowd that Blanchard was the type of person to get involved, to help any way and every way he could contribute to the Housing Authority, and by extension to the Sam Wright Sylacauga Grows Community Garden. The Food Distribution Center that bears his name is open daily during the week, providing fresh, seasonal produce to those in the community who need the service.
After so many heart-warming words remembering Rob Blanchard and his contributions, his memory was further served as after-school program students gathered for another in a series of “Farm to Table” lessons, complete with a meal prepared with the bounty of the community garden. Many even commented that Rob was surely present, watching over the many aspects of the garden to which he lent his inspirational expertise.