When Their Daughter's Wedding Got Cancelled, This Atlanta Couple Turned It Into an Awesome Day for the Homeless

A cancelled wedding might sound like a sad occasion, but an Atlanta couple turned the event into a positive, donating what would have been a wasted wedding reception to the homeless.

Willie and Carol Fowler contacted the local nonprofit Hosea Feed the Hungry and were able to feed more than 200 needy people a four-course dinner at Villa Christina on September 15, according to WBUR-TV, after their daughter's wedding was cancelled.

Carol Fowler (in the blue dress) and her husband Willie donated their daughter's wedding reception to feed the homeless after the wedding itself was cancelled. (Photo: Hosea Feed the Homeless via WBUR)

Carol Fowler told the local news station they are pleased their daughter handled the tough situation well, although the circumstances leading to the wedding's cancellation are not made clear.

"She was also very delighted to see and know that others had an opportunity to enjoy something, rather than just allow it to go to waste," she said.

"Events are canceled, and sometimes for unknown reasons. Do not allow that opportunity to go to waste. Call up your favorite charity," Fowler continued. "Give them an opportunity to use that for people that will not have an opportunity, perhaps in life."

More the more than 200 people who attended gathered in prayer. (Photo: Hosea Feed the Homeless via WBUR)

Willie Fowler told WGCL-TV it was rewarding to see "people that may have or may not have an opportunity to dine in a place like this."

Williee and Carol Fowler sit for an interview. They are pleased the event did not have to go to waste. (Photo: Hosea Feed the Homeless/Facebook)

Hosea Feed the Hungry CEO Elizabeth Omilami told WBUR this event made quite an impression on the children who were able to attend.

"The passed hors d’oeuvre were very interesting because the children were wondering, ‘could we take the whole tray, or do we just take one off of the tray?’” she said. “So this was an educational opportunity as well, because now they all know how to eat at a four-course meal and the etiquette involved in that.”

Children were taught some valuable life lessons in table manners and a clown was there for entertainment. (Photo: Hosea Feed the Homeless via WBUR)

"The event on Sunday demonstrated how as a community when we come together and live in harmony, we can make a difference. Today is an example of harmony. Hosea Feed The Hungry is very thankful to the Fowler Family and their heart for the poor," Omilami said in a statement. "It is a blessing that this family provided an experience for those who are less fortunate to enjoy an afternoon with their family at one of Atlanta's premiere wedding venues. We are so thankful for their generosity."

Other local groups were involved with the event as well, including Mary Hull Freedom House, Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless and The Nicholas House.

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