SUFFOLK, Va. — In Downtown Suffolk, restaurant Harper's Table promises "a table for everyone." Each week, chef and owner Harper Bradshaw and his staff bring that table to kids in need.
"We've tried to make it the culture of what we do in this company," Bradshaw recently told News 3 anchor Anthony Sabella inside the kitchen at ForKids' Birdsong Center.
ForKids is a operates a shelter for local families in Chesapeake's South Norfolk neighborhood. The Birdsong Center offers a place for kids and teens to go after school.
"They come here for tutoring and a hot meal and Harper helps us provide that nutritious, hot dinner that you need to get that brain functioning and keep things rolling," said Sarah Carr, the nonprofit's major gift officer.
Once a week, Bradshaw and his team drop off a warm, chef-prepared meal.
Though his restaurant's menu is admittedly more higher-end with its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, he says he still wants it to be available to kids who otherwise wouldn't have the means.
The latest meal in his 14-year partnership with ForKids includes fried, fresh-caught flounder and fried pickles.
"We love this place and they're so good to our community and so we're bringing dinner for the kids," he said.
But Carr tells News 3 that Bradshaw and his team do a lot more than provide meals.
"It's coming here to teach cooking classes for participants in our program. It's donating when we ask for an in-home chef dinner for our art auction that will go for $25,000 in support of our work. He never says no," she said.
Which is why everyone said 'yes' to surprising Bradshaw as this week's News 3 Everyday Hero. He was also awarded a $425 Visa gift card, courtesy of partners Southern Bank. Southern Bank is celebrating its 125th anniversary and added $125 to its prize to honor the occasion.
"We usually try to do this quietly and under the radar," said a laughing Bradshaw after he received the award, before pivoting to a way others can give back to ForKids if they're inspired. "There's a community fridge on the (Birdsong Center) porch and there's not many rules involved. Those that have can drop off. Quality food is certainly appreciated and those that need, they can come grab it."
Ensuring everyone has the chance to eat...and eat well.
Congrats to Harper Bradshaw. This week's News 3 Everyday Hero!
