Quinn Duane’s big day may have been ruined but her mother said it was ‘heartwarming’ to see people enjoy the meal of salad, salmon, and tri-tip sirloin

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

After a California couple called off their wedding, the bride-to-be’s family decided to turn the $35,000 event into a feast for the homeless.

The bride’s mother, Kari Duane, said Sunday that rather than cancel the reception, they invited Sacramento’s homeless for a once in a lifetime meal on Saturday at the Citizen Hotel, one of the city’s finest venues.

Duane said her 27-year-old daughter, Quinn, called her on Monday to tell her she and her fiance had decided not go through with the wedding. Soon after, the family decided to share the event with the less fortunate.

“Even though my husband and I were feeling very sad for our daughter, it was heartwarming to see so many people be there and enjoy a meal,” Duane said.



Man United stars Neville and Giggs tell hotel squatters: stay for winter Read more

She said they had already paid for a reception that would have hosted 120 guests. About 90 homeless single people, grandparents and whole families with newborns showed up and enjoyed a meal that included appetizers, salad, gnocchi, salmon, and tri-tip sirloin. Some even dressed up for the occasion.

Erika Craycraft arrived with her husband and five children. She says her family often struggles to eat three meals a day.



She says the Duanes’ decision to share the banquet with the less fortunate was a “really giving, really kind” gesture.

Quinn Duane, 27, who had been due to marry Landon Borup, did not attend the meal. But she will still be able to sample the planned honeymoon break as she and her mother fly off to Belize for the non-refundable trip, KCRA said.