The eight food trucks generously donated all profits from their sales on Wednesday to support the families of Matthew Schultz and Scott Smith. The tragic events that led to the deaths of these two individuals over Memorial Day weekend deeply impacted the North Canton community.
At Walsh University, a heartwarming scene unfolded as people lined up to purchase comfort food from the food trucks. Rather than seeking comfort for themselves, the customers were coming together to show support for the grieving families.
Scott Smith, a former police officer and city schools employee, lost his life in a motorcycle crash on Saturday. Just a day later, the community was devastated by the loss of 13-year-old Matthew Schultz, who tragically passed away during Green’s Memorial Day parade after falling off and being run over by a trailer.
“When we had learned of what had happened, we knew that we wanted to get involved, so we made a few phone calls to some of our food truck buddies,” David Wells, owner of Uncle Bacon’s BBQ, said.
That phone call led to “Plates with Purpose,” with profits from food and t-shirts sales to be split between the Schultz and Smith families. David’s camera-shy wife set it all up.
“She reached out and talked to the families to make sure we kind of had their blessing,” he told 3News.
Blessing is right, as hundreds attended the event, lining up for food, drinks, and desserts. Completely Cookied took in a lot of dough, completely selling out of over 200 cookies in just under two hours. Emily Philpott is the food trailer owner.
“This has been an amazing turnout,” food trailer owner Emily Philpot said. “It makes me feel good that people still want to help and help support the Smith and the Schultz family. That’s why we’re here.”
Redefining the term “comfort food” by supporting those going through this difficult time. Wells summed the event up like this: “I wish I could say I was surprised, but knowing how this community rallies together, it doesn’t really surprise me at all.”
