Former New Yorker Eric McGee was ready: fried chicken in hand, plate loaded with an array of football food, and focused keenly on a projected image six by eight feet.
Yep, a front row seat for the Super Bowl.
McGee, who has been staying at Open House Ministries, was a guest of Christ Community Church in east Vancouver. The church partnered with four organizations that help the homeless for this party.
McGee is a New York Giants fan and declared, “They’re gonna win.”
“Patriots,” shouted Brittany Gardner, 13, a Discovery Middle School student.
“Don’t listen to her,” chimed in McGee’s son, Michael, 16.
Brittany and her mom, Rhonda Gardner, also are staying at Open House Ministries.
“We hope to be out next week,” Rhonda said.
Before the kickoff, Brittany declared the Super Bowl party a success. “I love it,” she said, adjusting her sock-monkey hat. “There’s so much food — and hand massages. It’s awesome.”
The hand massages were courtesy of Linda Trier, whose husband, the Rev. Orlie Trier, is pastor of the 150-member church. The congregation meets in a 10,000-square foot space at Eastridge Business Park. It’s a Lutheran church and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provided the money for the party.