On Friday May 16th, twenty four Pipestone employees woke up bright and early to make their way to The Banquet in Sioux Falls to serve breakfast. The Banquet is a volunteer and donations based program, and every year, Pipestone is humbled with the chance to serve. “It’s great to be able to give back to the community, not just with money, but rather with our time serving those in the community in need,” states Hannah Walkes, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pipestone Veterinary Services. Pipestone donates the money for the food, and asks their employees to volunteer to prepare and serve breakfast. One constant for a Pipestone prepared breakfast is none other than bacon, which is always a big hit with the served guests! “We all make our living in animal agriculture and pride ourselves in helping to provide a safe, nutritious food supply to the world. Sometimes that need for food is at your backdoor step, and you are hit hard with the reminder that food isn’t a luxury everyone has. What we do (raise livestock) is important and impacts lives.” comments Walkes. “It’s great to share that with others.”
Every year, The Banquet in Sioux Falls serves about 150,000 meals, 21,000 of those going to children under the age of 12. These meals go to individuals that can’t afford a good nutritious meal, or that may otherwise go hungry. This year, Pipestone provided 200 adults and children with a hearty breakfast. If you have a group that may be interested in volunteering at The Banquet, call 605.335.7066 for more information, or visit their website at www.thebanquetsf.org.
