Meals remember musician

SANDUSKY — The hearty meals fill people up, and a father — who continues to honor his son's legacy — loves seeing people cared for through food. This week, one birthday dinner occurred, and another is planned to remember the late Scott Gast. Scott — whose birthday is today: Monday, April 13 — gained local fame as the lead singer of the CoCoBeanOs band. The 2002 Margaretta High School graduate died in a car crash in November 2014. Since then, his family — led by his father, George — has organized many fundraisers, events and donation drives to benefit others, including scholarships for students. "Scott was a kind and giving man who truly loved people," George said. "He had a natural way of making others feel seen, valued and cared for." To reciprocate those character traits, George coordinated these annual dinners, happening every year since 2015. George, meanwhile, covers the costs to feed people, especially underprivileged community members who might need a meal. Doing so, George said, pays homage to Scott. "Whether it was a simple conversation at a band gig, as a helping hand or just his presence, he brought warmth and compassion wherever he went," George said. "He believed in lifting others up, and he carried that spirit with him every day. Providing meals in his memory feels like a meaningful way to honor who he was." On Monday afternoon, Victory Kitchen in Sandusky prepared a spread of homemade delicacies: brisket, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, potato salad, dinner rolls and many desserts, which included a cake for Scott's birthday. Victory Kitchen — among the area's leading nonprofits in feeding underserved population segments — expected upward of 275 people into their Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) facility on Monday, keeping up with an annual tradition starting more than a decade ago. "George has always been good to us as an actual donor and came to us to honor Scott," Victory Kitchen's chef Chad Robles said. "We're just honored to remember Scott." There's another dinner planned: from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Ave. (U.S. 6), in Sandusky. George welcomes people to show up, get something to eat and socialize with others. "Food brings people together," said George, who routinely donates money to Victory Kitchen and Holy Angels. "It offers comfort, nourishment and a sense of community." So what does George want from these gatherings? "By ensuring that everyone who comes to these meals receives a good meal, I hope that it reflects Scott's generous heart and his love for others," he said. "It is my way of continuing the kindness Scott gave so freely. Each meal served is a tribute to Scott's life and a reminder that love and compassion continue to grow." Dinners and events in Scott's name continue to help George with the grieving process. "His birthday is a day that will always hold deep meaning for me — not only as the day he came into the world but as a reminder of the love, kindness and generosity he shared with others," George said. "Throughout his life, Scott was only 30 years old when he went to heaven — and, in those 30 years, he touched more lives than many do that live 70-plus years," George added. "I thank God my wife (Melanae) for giving me the honor to have such a wonderful son and to be able to share his memory with others."