After my first trip to McDowell County in March 2019, I knew I wanted to continue helping the good people there. Encouraged by the success of our first Food and Supplies Drive, I was eager to do another one as soon as possible. That’s why I met with a Board Member of BYBM and a friend of mine, Julie O’Brien, and we decided to hold a new event that same year.

The first event was great, but I thought we could make it even better and bigger. Julie suggested we invite Shye Gilad from Project Aviation to join us so that we can do more. I thought this was a great idea. It didn’t take long for us three to gather a truckload of clothing and supplies. My company, Paramount Business Jets, provided the funding to purchase food at the local supermarket. And so, with everything ready, it was decided. The second food drive in McDowell was about to take place on June 11.

With the help of church staff, we hang the “Free Food + Clothes June 11 at 10 AM” banner in front of the church in Welch. The word spread quickly through the county: Best You Best Me was coming to town again!

On the event day, I rented a van, filling it with food and necessities from the supermarket. Julie, Father Tony, myself, and other volunteers set up tables with the food and all other donations at the Church in Welch. And the guests began to arrive. 

Over 80 families came to the event and were thankful for everything our team had done for them. We were grateful and felt blessed to have the opportunity to brighten their days and alleviate hardships. That day I made a promise to myself to keep helping McDowell County residents in the years ahead.

The project couldn’t have been done without Leesburg Executive Airport leadership, ProJet Aviation, AVS Audio and Video, Recycle Life, and all the donors, volunteers, and staff at the church in Welch. BYBM gives a big shout-out to everyone who took part in this event!