It’s not every day that cold feet can be used to fill stomachs and put smiles on faces, but that’s exactly what California woman Quinn Duane did after being jilted by her fiancé.
The 27-year-old was supposed to be marrying Landon Borup over the weekend, but after he called things off, Duane was at a loss with what to do with the food prepared for 120 guests at the four-star hotel she’d booked for the reception.
So she decided to turn the reception into a feast for the local community’s homeless.
“When I found out on Monday that the wedding would not be taking place, it just seemed like, of course, this would be something that we would do to give back,” Kari Duane, the bride-to-be’s mother, told a local TV reporter.
It was a slow start at the feast, with only one diner, a sole woman, turning up. But the Duane family remained resolute that even if it had only been her, it would have still been the right decision.
“I was thinking at that moment, if she’s the only person that comes tonight, this was worth it,” Duane said.
But more and more people started to show up, including families with newborn babies. One male diner called the hot meal “a blessing,” while his wife added that the would-be bride’s charity was extremely generous:
“To lose out on something so important to yourself and then give it to someone else is really giving, really kind,” Erika Craycraft told reporters.
The menu on the day included a selection of foods from the Sacramento Citizen Hotel’s four-star restaurant, with a selection of cauliflower, gnocchi, beef, and salmon.
Quinn Duane chose to not attend the event, staying at home with friends. But her generosity was warmly welcomed by the diners on the day.
“I feel a lot of heartache and heartbreak for her, but I will take away something good from this, I will,” Kari Duane said.
