By DALE MADISON
Seven years ago, Paul Renaldo witnessed the suffering being experienced at several local food pantries and service agencies, in the aftermath of the Summer of Hurricanes (better known as “2005”). Among these, Shadowood II suffered a significant loss: With no generator, this home for some 70 souls lost all of its clients’ food.
Renaldo—who passed away in April from complications due to pneumonia—was and is better known in the community as “Guido.” A well-recognized photographer, he stepped up to the plate and launched a food drive to help replace those precious foodstuffs.
Hosting a food drive is never easy, but that first “Guido to the Rescue,” with the help of many of the house drag performers at Monkey Business Bar on North Andrews Avenue, collected over 1,000 pounds of food.
Despite Guido’s passing, his efforts on behalf of others will continue. This weekend, Guido’s Annual Canned Food Drive will continue the legacy of a man who was dedicated to helping others.
“Guido was truly one in a million,” says Gus Sanchez, the owner of Monkey Business. “At one time, we thought that we wouldn’t continue, since Guido was gone. Many of our loyal customers kept asking, ‘What are you going to do to honor Guido?’
Then one day it hit me: Let’s keep his name going with the Canned Food Drive, and our goal this year is for at least 1,000 pounds of food. We can take canned goods or dry goods like pasta.”
This year’s event will support Pantry of Broward, which helps both the homeless and the elderly. “Our shelves are nearly empty,” said one pantry volunteer who asked not to be named. “I’ve volunteered here for nearly two years, and I have never seen it like this. Times are tough, and people have really cut back on donations.
We just can’t help all those who need the support of our services.” Says Sanchez, “Between now and Sunday [October 14], people can drop off items, and each donation will receive a free raffle ticket. On the final day we will draw the winner at 3 p.m.” According to Sanchez, plans are still in the works to continue the “Sleazy Awards,” which Guido started 10 years ago (when he was published “Rimmer” magazine), once again to support local charities.
“We’re looking to make the ‘Sleazies’ another annual event, to once again remind people of how big the ‘little guy’ from New York was, and what a difference he made in so many lives here in our community,” adds Sanchez. Monkey Business is located at 2740 N Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors. For more information, call (954) 514-7819.