Living Hope Church partnered with Dream for Life and several organizations for an annual Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, and Donnie Vercher of Daddy D’s Southern Style Barbecue said they had enough food to feed 8,000 people

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Donnie Vercher is a man of action more than he is of words.

Still, he managed to share his vision Saturday, just moments before the doors were open for thousands of people in search of a meal and good company.

“My deal is we try to feed as many people as we possibly can,” Vercher said. “Hopefully, we’ll feed 8,000 people today. I just want to share the love in the community.”

Vercher is the owner of Daddy D’s Southern Style Barbecue, but during the holidays, he is more known as the founder of Dream for Life, a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Dream for Life partners with Living Hope Church, which offers the space to not only have a sit-down meal for thousands, but also a place where several other organizations can set up and offer resources to those in need.

More than a dozen organizations were on hand, including recovery resources, health agencies, free haircuts, and more.

“This is my purpose. I believe in humanity and giving back,” said Karolyn Harper, Vercher’s daughter who has helped her father in all 13 years of offering free meals. “Seeing so many people from so many different walks of life coming together, having a good time over a hot meal.”

Harper said they started doing this by offering free food out of the back door of the restaurant. The movement grew from there. Mayor Anne McEnerney-Ogle, Harper said, made a connection between Dream for Life and Living Hope Church.

“It’s the church’s heart, reaching out to our community,” said Brian Norris, outreach pastor at Living Hope. “We want no one turned away. We want people to know they matter, that they are loved. That’s in Donnie’s heart and in our hearts.”

Just before the doors opened for the meal, Vercher said a prayer.

“Everybody here just love each other,” he requested. “The reason why we’re here is to show that love in the community. If you see someone, say hello to them.”

Amy Reeves, senior vice president and Southwest Washington regional manager for OnPoint Community Credit Union, has been working with Vercher and Dream for Life for years. This year, OnPoint donated $2,500 for the event.

“When the community comes together, you fill gaps. To me, and to the credit union, we just want to be supportive and make sure we show up where we are needed,” Reeves said. ‘Donnie is an incredible individual. He founded this organization to bring people together. We just believe in the work that he does. Donnie does not give up. When Donnie sees a need, he’s going to get out there and fill that gap.”