It's tradition at this time of the year to gather with family and friends, give thanks for our blessings, and help those in need.
Earlier this month, the NYS Writers Institute hosted a gathering of writers, readers, and William Kennedy fans for a marathon public reading of Kennedy's 1978 novel Billy Phelan’s Greatest Game.
The day began at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Albany Distilling Company with page one, coffee and doughnuts, and ended well after dark with the 96-year old author reading the final chapter of his book followed by a sustained standing ovation.
More than a book reading, the event highlighted the best of the Capital Region: our love of literature and our community's generosity, as dozens of attendees donated money and canned goods to bring Thanksgiving cheer to families in need.
The event generated $1,450 in donations for the Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry in North Albany – which was Kennedy's parish growing up and where parts of Billy Phelan are set. Following the marathon reading, Paul Grondahl, Opalka Endowed Director of the NYS Writers Institute, visited the food pantry to deliver the check along with four donated cans of Campbell's soup.
“The Kennedy marathon reading has become a popular annual tradition. It’s a fun way to bring
the literary community together to support a worthy cause,” said Grondahl.
“We're grateful for your donation and every contribution helps us meet the needs of our
community,” said Thomas Clark, outreach coordinator for Catholic Charities, who oversees the
food pantry, which serves more than 100 families each week through its food pantry and prepared meals program.
“This gift is especially meaningful, given the increased demand at our food pantry at Thanksgiving time,” Clark said.
The money was collected through cash donations and sales of copies of Kennedy’s books that the author signed.
It was the second consecutive year the marathon reading was organized by the Writers Institute
and Albany Distilling Co., makers of Ironweed whiskey, as a fundraiser for the food pantry.
Organizers intend to make it an annual fall event.
How to donate or volunteer
The Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry is open from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Thursdays.
The "Friendship Table" provides free lunch on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
To volunteer, make a donation, or for more information,
call 518-434-0680, or send a check to
Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry
33 Walter Street
Albany, NY 12204
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