Media Coverage: Volunteer’s In Action
Honoring a Legacy of Compassion: Celebrating Mr. Bill and Mrs. Verna
Ginger Griffeth, CEO of The Community Foundation of North Central Florida, recently attended the Legacy Awards luncheon to present the Community Champion Award to Mr. Bill and Mrs. Verna. This recognition honors their steady dedication to families in our region and highlights their long history of service through The Children’s Table.
The Children’s Table is more than a food distribution site. It has become a place of connection and support for families throughout Bronson, Levy County, and the surrounding rural areas. Because of their daily commitment, Mr. Bill and Mrs. Verna continue to shape this mission and keep it moving forward.
What is less widely known is the incredible personal impact they have had beyond the food bank. Over the years, they have opened their home to more than 30 foster children and have adopted three, shaping lives with love, stability, and care. Their compassion and generosity have created a lasting legacy that will touch generations to come. This event happened November, 2025.
The Children’s Table in Archer serves hundreds at annual Thanksgiving feast
This year’s Thanksgiving Feast was a wonderful success, as we came together to serve hundreds of families a warm holiday meal. Our dedicated volunteers were on hand all day—cooking, packing, welcoming guests, and wrapping up the event by lending a hand with cleanup.
A heartfelt thank-you to Heavy B’s BBQ for their generous support and mouthwatering contributions, and to all the volunteer cooks who brought energy, skill, and heart to the kitchen. Every dish, every tray, and every smile was made possible by you—our incredible community! Click the here or the image to read the news report on WCJB.
Woman’s World Magazine
Discover the story behind The Children’s Table and how one couple’s passion for gardening and helping children in need grew into a thriving community food program. Bill and Verna Brown turned their 20-acre farm into a source of hope and nourishment for families across Bronson and beyond. Their journey from fostering children to feeding hundreds is truly inspiring. Click the image to view the article.
From Need to Service: A Volunteer’s Journey Featured by CNN
In June 2025, CNN reporters spent three days with us at The Children’s Table, getting an inside look at our work supporting families across rural North Central Florida. Their visit highlighted our mission, our volunteers, and the impact of our programs. Later that summer, in August 2025, Mr. Bill was honored on CNN as a CNN Hero, recognizing his decades of dedication to ending hunger in our community. Watch the video below to see their visit and the story behind this well-deserved recognition.
2024 Mr. Bill Makes National News Click here to see the video
BRONSON, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) – A 94-year-old Florida man is being recognized for his work within the community.
Bill Brown, also known as Mr. Bill, has turned his small home garden into a food bank for families in Levy County.
He has 30 years of community service under his belt, feeding thousands of people a week at The Children’s Table.
“Here I am at almost 95 and I’m making an impact in the community,” Brown said. “Nobody in Levy County should have to go hungry.”
Because of his service, volunteers at the food bank say they want to give the veteran something special.
“I came across the CNN Heroes and said, ‘This is something for Bill,’” Stacey Kile said.
Kile works with Brown at the food bank, and she is asking residents to help her nominate him for the award.
“He’s just such an incredible person who’s done so much for this community,” Kile said. “This would be a great way to just kind of give thanks to the man who’s given so much to so many.”
Brown said he didn’t know about being nominated and appreciated the gesture.
“Everybody likes to be appreciated for their work, but that’s not why we do it. We do it out of our love for the people that we serve,” he said.
Volunteers say every form counts and more information is available online to help Brown receive the nomination.
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Levy County Historical Society Chili Cook Off 2026
Reporter from CNN flying drone to cover our bus