Every year, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group recognizes team members across Parkhurst Dining as well as its Restaurant Division to honor those who go above and beyond in service to their local community. This year, a very special Parkhurst team member took the honor!
Congratulations to Harvel Brown, Cover Manager Supervisor at Mount St. Mary College, who received the 2024 Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding commitment to community service!
Harvel Brown and Harvel’s Helping Hands
Brown was nominated by his peers for his work with the nonprofit he started in 2019, Harvel’s Helping Hands, which hosts a variety of community events and giveaways throughout the year. Activities include a winter wear drive, a holiday toy drive, an Easter egg hunt and barbecue (which usually sees between 200–250 kids), a summer fan collection, and a back-to-school drive. A lot of the funding for the giveaways comes out of Brown’s own pocket, although he accepts donations.
“I Just Want to Make Sure Every Kid Has a Smile”
To say Brown was surprised to receive the Volunteer of the Year honor is an understatement!
“I was so surprised!” he said. “There are so many people in this company. To be the one selected out of all of us? No good deed goes unseen.”
Brown said he was inspired to start Harvel’s Helping Hands after growing up next to the Newburgh Ministry and receiving services there as a child.
“The way I grew up, we didn’t have much,” he said. “At the Ministry, I was a recipient of care and generosity. I felt such love and acceptance. Your self worth is not based on what you have but on what you’re willing to give. Even if you don’t have much, you have something, and that could make a difference if everyone feels that way!”
While working for Parkhurst Dining over the last two years, Brown recognizes a like-mindedness and passion for both people and food. He started working for Parkhurst because he wanted to cook and has stayed because of the people he works with — “They care!”
In fact, Parkhurst Dining and Harvel’s Helping Hands have a similar mission:
“I just want to make sure every kid has a smile at the end of the night,” said Brown.
