July 2023: Volunteer Spotlight

Ken Padgett is a loyal Thursday volunteer. After retiring he wanted an opportunity to give back to his community and help those most in need! On top of volunteering in the Soup Kitchen, Ken also enjoys heading out on the food truck to Nicholtown and helping with free service lunches. Learn more about Ken and what motivates him to serve every week!

Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you originally from? How long have you lived in Greenville?

Born and grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. After serving in the Army, I graduated from UT with a masters degree in Urban Planning and came to Greenville in the early 70’s as a senior planner with the Greenville County Planning Commission. One major responsibility was the city’s capital budget. From there I went to J.E. Sirrine as their Manager of Strategic Planning; and after a short stint in real estate development, I spent 17 years as the General Land Manager for the Greenville Division of NVR (Ryan Homes).

Married a Greenville girl. Victoria Ann Stewart helped cement my love for Greenville. A little known fact about us is that we were married in St. Peter’s in Rome. I have been blessed in so many ways.

How long/often do you volunteer at PH? 

I volunteer on Thursdays in the soup kitchen. I have also been going out on the food truck to take lunch to residents of the Nicholtown community.

How did you learn about Project Host and what drew you to volunteering in the Soup Kitchen? 

After retiring I wanted to get out of the house and a friend suggested that I look into Project Host. The opportunity for instant gratification was attractive. Where else can you help serve over 160 of our most vulnerable neighbors in one hour?

What motivates you to spend your time at Project Host? 

The instant gratification continues to be a driving force for me! I leave at the end of a shift knowing that I helped make a difference. I also get to work alongside some pretty special team members. In Tennessee we could call them “good folks.” There are no politics, just get to show up every week to a group of really nice people giving back to their community.

What’s your favorite memory from volunteering at Project Host? 

My favorite memory is and will continue to be the comradery and working with the other team members to prepare a delicious meal. I actually look forward to every Thursday I get to spend at Project Host!