Olympic gold medalists Brooke Bennett and Michele Smith help feed homeless in Clearwater

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Olympic gold medalists Brooke Bennett and Michele Smith volunteered with a local homeless organization to serve dinner on Monday.

The pair served dinner to an estimated 100 residents of Clearwater’s Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP).

“I think if it’s the motivation to them to help get back on their feet, to help motivate them to go out there and pursue a job, and make that shift to better – it’s an opportunity,” Bennett said.

HEP is hosting a ‘celebrity chef’ series to boost morale within the program and ignite others to support the organization. This series has previously included figures such as local radio show hosts, MLB athletes, and NFL players such as New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden.

Bennett is a three-time medalist swimmer, and Smith has won two gold medals for softball.

Bennett also brought her two sons to the event.

“It’s important for them to not only know the accomplishments that not only mommy had in the pool… but the way that I see it now, it’s what Mommy does in the community with her accomplishments in the pool.”

You can support HEP by volunteering your time, organizing a donation drive, or even financially supporting a resident’s birthday on their Facebook page or website .

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