After the Beachie Creek Fire left a path of devastation in Gates, Oregon, and the surrounding area, Ward Frederick, a broker with the John L. Scott Salem office, helped organize and set up a kitchen outside the Gates United Church of Christ. This church was one of the few buildings left standing from the fire, which engulfed homes, vehicles, livestock, and personal belongings of people in that area.
Ward, who is also a member of the Silverton Lions Club and a previous restaurant owner, coordinated the effort starting Sept. 19 along with the Silverton Elks Club. Several John L. Scott Salem agents jumped in to help Ward by setting up the kitchen daily, serving food and coffee to those that lost everything. As word got out, many volunteers came forward to assist with the food, money, and donations. The combined forces were serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner of restaurant-quality food under COVID restaurant guidelines.
The need was so great that they were feeding 300-500 people per day, and Ward plans to continue the effort until there is no more need locally! Lion Magazine, a publication produced by Lions Clubs International, covered Ward’s effort in a recent story: The Pianist
