What’s In a Name?
Understanding Project Host is perhaps best done by focusing on our name. “Host” offers a nod to our origin at St. Andrew’s Church, but it has come to mean so much more. The nature of what we do is to welcome people of all walks of life to break bread with us. Our belief is that all individuals who cross our threshold and interact with us should be treated as guests: with human kindness, interest, warmth, and open minds and hearts.
The other part of our name, “Project,” reflects the constant growth and experimentation that runs through everything we do. We adapt and grow our programs to continue to meet community needs where they exist. As an organization, we are unfinished, and we always will be for as long as poverty and hunger exist in greater Greenville.
Our History
it all began with a troubling observation…
Learn about Project Host’s origins in 1981, when an interchurch committee decided to address the issue of hunger in Greenville.
The Journey to Academy Street
Learn about how Project Host developed under longtime director Jody Fails and why it made the move from St. Andrew’s to S. Academy Street.
becoming more than just a soup kitchen
Discover why Project Host added culinary training to its mission and why the school is named after CC Pearce.
Our Impact
At Project Host, we address the immediate issue of hunger through our numerous free meal programs, and we also work to address the root causes of food insecurity—poverty and un- and underemployment—through our culinary school and student employment opportunities in our social enterprises. Read about how Project Host has touched the lives of students, volunteers, and staff.
Blog
An average of 40,000 free meals served out of the Soup Kitchen annually
An annual average of nearly 40,000 free meals served to children through Cooking for Kids
An average of 300 free meals served through the HostMobile Food Outreach program Weekly
over 200 graduates of the CC Pearce Culinary School since 2003
2,000 pounds of produce grown in our Gardening for Good Program
Our Team
Tobin Simpson
Greenville, SC || CEO
Tobin began at Project Host as a volunteer in the Soup Kitchen and has worked his way up in the organization, first as Teaching Chef, then COO, and now CEO. At the end of the day, knowing that his work has benefited more than him is what keeps Tobin passionate about what is done at Project Host. He’s blessed to have a beautiful wife and daughter.
Learn more about Tobin’s journey to Project Host and his vision for the organization.
Michelle Liggett
Manchester, CT || Chief Operating Officer
With a number of years in the service industry, Michelle started with Project Host managing the Cooking for Kids program. This position has allowed her to come alongside her neighbors to make Greenville a better place.
Learn more about Michelle’s vision for Project Host programs.
Debra Wray
Clover, SC || Director of Community and Student Engagement
Debra is motivated by watching the results of her efforts to help her neighbors in need throughout Greenville. She is a graduate from Greenville Tech with a degree in Human Services and a graduate of the CC Pearce Culinary School.
Learn more about how Debra came to Project Host and how she works to improve the lives of others.
Meredith bost
Greenville, SC || Food Truck Chef
Meredith Bost from Resident Diner is bringing her drool-worthy flavor combinations, creative concoctions and unique take on the all-American classic hot dog to the Project Host food truck. Meredith is a Greenville native, growing up on the far side of Woodruff Road when it was just cow pastures. She has years of hospitality experience and finds her passion within the idea of food nostalgia.
Learn more about Meredith, her cooking styles and inspiration.
GENE FRANK
Oquawka, IL || Culinary Instructor
Gene Frank is an Illinois native, with a wide range of culinary influences from the lands of the Midwest, to Miami, to classic southern style cooking. Gene graduated from the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas at Greenville Technical College. We are so excited for the opportunity to work with him as our new Culinary Instructor.
Learn more about Chef Gene’s background and culinary influences here.
Kevin Kopsick
Lake Bluff, IL || Bakery Chef
Having recently relocated from South Florida to the Greenville area, Kevin brings over 30 years of experience as an executive pastry chef and culinary educator. Besides creating delicious baked goods, Kevin's passion is to motivate and inspire his students to challenge themselves and create opportunities for personal growth.
Annamarie bell
Greenville, SC || Marketing and Development Manager
Annamarie graduated from College of Charleston with a B.A. in Communication and Arts Management. Over the years, she has blossomed into a passionate creative, with a desire to serve and lead. Annamarie is motivated by the importance of engagement and the chance to make a lasting impact within her community.
Learn more about Annamarie’s journey to Project Host and her vision for this position.
Anne gill
Buffalo, NY || Soup Kitchen Manager
Anne has been volunteering at Project Host since 2018 on Tuesdays and Fridays. She has a background in nursing and retired from the medical profession in 2016. Anne has two dogs, two kids, and four grandkids.
Cathy Moore
Stow, OH || Soup Kitchen Manager
Cathy began at Project Host delivering items for Loaves & Fishes. After seeing the great work that Project Host does, she started volunteering on a regular basis. She is very excited to be an ambassador for Project Host and to work with our volunteers to make them feel valued and to ensure our clients are well fed.
Our Board
rebecca WHITTAM
ScanSource, Board Chair
bradley cox
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Treasurer
Jill Mashburn
Fluor
Khailing neoh
Sum Bar
Cheryl Wiggins
Fluor (retired)
Leila Aziz
Google, Vice Chair
Greg Bell
Thomas Concrete
Wendi rodgers
USPS
shivani nadarajah
Cytiva
Wally dant
Berkadia
Christen Clinkscales
Christen Clinkscales LLC, Secretary
TYLER MINK
Shopify
Bobby Vine
Harper Construction
Meghan Riordan
HMR Veterans and Services, Inc.