Remembering Bill Brewster

Bill Brewster
1962 - 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend, long-time supporter, and Giving Kitchen Board Chair, Bill Brewster.

His sudden and unexpected death has left us shocked and deeply saddened. 

As we mourn the loss of Bill, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the enduring impact he had on Giving Kitchen. Bill has been foundational to Giving Kitchen’s years of growth and success: under Bill’s leadership as Giving Kitchen’s board chair, the organization grew from only serving food service workers in Atlanta to serving clients nationwide; from an organization that had served 4,000 food service workers in its first five years to one that helped 18,000 food service workers over the next five. In just his four years as chair, Bill oversaw 82% of all GK clients served to date.

To his core, Bill believed in Giving Kitchen’s potential for deep and wide impact, and constantly pushed us to expand our thinking and reach. We will be forever imprinted by his confidence in our work, dedication to helping food service workers everywhere, and ambition in expanding that impact as far and wide as possible.  

Bill, his loving family, and his supportive colleagues from Kilpatrick Townsend could be found joyfully at every Team Hidi and other GK events, always eager to celebrate and invest in our mission His wife, Karen, and their children are not only staples at Giving Kitchen events and gatherings, but they are also Giving Kitchen family. The Brewster family has changed tens of thousands of food service worker lives for the better because of their steadfast vision to bring Giving Kitchen to those who needed it most.  

Bill believed in being the light, even in the darkest times. We remember now, in this moment of darkness, of something Bill told our staff. As we faced unprecedented hardship in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, he inspired and cared for us all. At the end of a rousing speech, he said:

“Remember, in times of difficulty, hope CAN be found. Giving Kitchen is that hope.”  

Bill's guidance and unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping Giving Kitchen into a stronger and more impactful organization. His energy, passion, and generosity of spirit will continue to inspire us as we honor his memory and carry forward his vision for Giving Kitchen.  

Bill believed and acted with generosity that was far beyond what was ever expected. He knew the real meaning of leadership, and always put his full energy into his commitments. And true to who he was, Bill continues to give beyond expectation.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations "in memory of Bill Brewster" to either Giving Kitchen or Special Olympics Georgia.

Our thoughts are with Bill's family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time. May we all strive to honor Bill's memory by serving others in a way that reflects the values he embodied. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.