Hockey players from Colgate University swapped out their Raiders uniforms for restaurant serving attire as Hamilton Inn guests recently had a chance to be waited on by the local athletes.

What You Need To Know

  • Colgate University hockey players took on new roles Monday as they helped serve food to Hamilton Inn guests

  • The event raised money for the Hamilton Food Cupboard

  • According to the state Dept. of Health, approximately one in four adults in New York are experiencing food insecurity

Serving meals and drinks isn’t much of a challenge for some of the players.

“Dishwashing prep, a little cooking food, running a little serving and kind of done everything in restaurants," said Reid Irwin.

“He says that he's had no experience whatsoever waiting tables, but he's as charming and effective as any waiter that we've ever had. And you can tell that he is really excited about doing something good for his community," said Hamilton Inn guest Christopher Wells of his server.

The event, “Raiders as Waiters," was more than just a test for Colgate athletes. All of the money raised is going to the Hamilton Food Cupboard.

According to the New York Department of Health, a report found approximately one in four adults in the state experience food insecurity.

“There are 100 families a month who get help from the food cupboard, and that need has been exacerbated since the pandemic. It has gotten worse," said RuthAnn Loveless, Hamilton's mayor and a member of the Hamilton Food Cupboard's board.

“I mean, any chance you can get to help out, and especially in our community that supports us, day in and day out, we're happy to be here," said Colgate player Brett Merner.

Any gratuities the players received also went to the Hamilton Food Cupboard. Members said they plan to spend it on their new building.

“It's perfect. There's enough land, there's enough parking. And it has a privacy that the people who utilize the center really care about," Loveless said.

The DOH also reports Herkimer and Oswego are the counties outside of New York City with the highest percentage of adults who experience food insecurity. The lowest three are Columbia, Lewis and Wyoming counties.