The very first place I sat down for lunch in downtown, Flint after having spent 26 years out of state, was at The Lunch Studio. I loved the decor and atmosphere and was very glad to find they served a pork sandwich (They have veggy foods too) very similar to the Cuba Sandwich which I love, called a Midnight. My asking if they could add and subtract a few items in recreating my favorite sandwich, received an excited, positive, “YUP.”
As I sat and enjoyed the sandwich while I took in the all the artwork and do dads within the room, I could not help but overhear a group of young man at the table next to me. Their conversation was full of excitement about how they might put together a social organization that would help low-income folks with getting home mortgages, and education on personal budgeting and finance. (This was the formation of the group then call “PLUTO” which later enfolded into the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce as their Young Professionals Committee, GRYP) I introduced myself to the group and we formed a friendship. (I love these guys.)
Here’s my point; from the very first moment I arrived in my old hometown and walked through downtown, Flint, I could feel the place was full of vibrate energy and opportunity. I decided to relocate in downtown. The very first place I interacted (The Lunch Studio) was also full of that same enthusiasm and optimism.
It wasn’t till later that I got to meet the lady behind the counter, Tracey Gilmour Whelpley. That’s when I discovered that her small restaurant that was so full of enthusiasm and optimism was an extension of her own personality.
You may only know Tracey as the quiet woman who lovingly makes each of our sandwiches, but in real life, she’s a superhero in downtown, Flint. Behind the scenes, she’s an intricate piece to countless fundraiser for our community. She gives her time, money and yes, even the food we enjoy at many of the community social function/fundraisers.
It would be enough that downtown, Flint has a great restaurant and meeting place, but having one owned by a person of such grace and compassion for this city is amazing!
I want to personally thank you Tracey, for all you’ve done for me and my wife, and I want to corporately thank you from the whole of the City, for 10 years of community service. Congratulation, keep up the good work!
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