Hey everyone,
Have you ever eaten at a soup kitchen? Have you ever had to accept food from an charitable organization? Ever have to scrounge for a meal?
I have. As a kid my mother and I were very poor, and we had to accept charity often. It was either that, or not eat. Literally.
I was a proud kid, so I resented it. I remember wearing my hat really low to try and hide as much of my face as possible while waiting in line in front of the Salvation Army, or while sneaking into a local soup kitchen. But I'm damned thankful now that they were available. The people that helped us never made us feel crappy about it. They were just being good people.
There you go. Now you know why I do the Comix Creator Cookout every year. It's nothing compared to the charity I received growing up. It's my humble "thank you" to all those folks that gave me a free meal.
I'm getting ready for this year's Comix Creator Cookout, which is being held this Saturday, the 13th. It's really the only public appearance I do anymore. I love it because I get to hang out with the most generous people I've ever met, the comic fans of Central PA! That's not understatement. These folks always go above and beyond when it's time to give.
Bill Wahl, my good friend and the co-owner of
Comix Connection, and I came up with the cookout/signing idea the year that Mike Wieringo died and we raised money for the Heroe's Initiative in his name, as well as food donations for the
Central PA Food Bank. Since then we've focused on the Food Bank because I think the need there is greater. And, for the reasons above, it's a charity that is close to my heart.
During the event I grill Greek style pork kabobs, burgers, and hotdogs free to for everyone that comes out.
(Hand made burgers, no frozen junk! And the kabobs are marinated for at least 24 hours! Only the best for my pals ;)
Once someone asked me why I'm "stuck" cooking while everyone is hanging out. I don't see it that way. I'm not "stuck" doing anything! It's my pleasure and honor to cook for these folks. It's my "thanks"to them for helping to support the Food bank and feed people who need it.
My pals Brian Keene, Jesus Gonzalez, and Dirk Shearer will be there signing their great novels, comics, and art prints.
(sorry, no pic of Dirk. Just Jesus, Brian, and me)
If you're in or around the Central PA area, please come out. Bring canned food donations, and get a free lunch. Hang out and have a good time. I'm giving art away to the top three food donations. Brian, Jesus, and Dirk will also have goodies on hand for folks.
So come out and say "HI". I'll be the guy in the apron ;-)
Best,
Mike
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