From One Answered Prayer to a Nationwide Revolution
A Win for Humankind was born in the same spirit of divine providence that guided Barney Welch — “Uncle Barney” — when he first answered the prayers of the Missionaries of Charity in 1981. Today, his grandson Peter Dimaira carries the torch and has received a clear calling to multiply that legacy through One Tree.
Uncle Barney
Founder, The Barn
Uncle Barney
Barney Welch
Founder, The Barn
The Man in the Dumpsters
In 1981, Barney Welch dropped off fish at the Missionaries of Charity in the South Bronx. When a nun opened the door and said, “Thank God you're here. We've been praying for food all day,” Uncle Barney felt lifted off the ground. That moment changed everything.
He began rescuing surplus food from supermarket dumpsters — earning the nickname “the man in the dumpsters”in Middletown, NJ. Following Mother Teresa's example, he tossed a Miraculous Medal into the A&P and boldly asked for their leftovers. The response was miraculous.
Today, The Barn for the Poorest of the Poormoves more than 8 tons of food every week with 150+ unpaid volunteers. They serve Missionaries of Charity houses across New York and New Jersey, Franciscans of the Renewal, Catholic Workers, soup kitchens, senior centers, churches, and shelters. All of it operates on prayer and divine providence — no fundraising, just God's provision through generous hearts.
The Birth of One Tree
As Barney Welch's grandson, Peter Dimaira grew up watching this living miracle. Then, in one single night — perhaps only a few hours — a clear voice and a complete vision were given to him: One Tree.
It came straight from the miracle of Jesus multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed thousands (John 6). Jesus promised:
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
John 14:12, NIV
Even as sinners, we can do good through Jesus Christ and His Father. With one tree — one starting hub of donated, refrigerated facilities — we will launch a revolution that feeds millions.
One Tree
One starting hub. One calling. One night. A revolution built on the same faith that sustained The Barn for over four decades.
Donors
1 Night
Origin
Divine Vision
Foundation
Prayer
Goal
Millions Fed
Built on the Same Foundation
We begin exactly where Uncle Barney began: with a powerful letter bombardment campaign, funded through transparent crowdfunding, respectfully petitioning Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Aldi, Target, and every major retail chain to donate their safe, near-expired surplus instead of letting it go to waste.
Prefabricated Climate-Controlled Buildings
Freezers and refrigerators donated by manufacturers and builders — keeping food safe from pickup to delivery.
Box Trucks Donated for Daily Pickups
Donated vehicles handle daily retail pickups and deliveries to pantries, shelters, and churches.
Maintenance Donated by Local Auto Shops
Fully tax-deductible each year — local mechanics keep the fleet running at no cost to the mission.
Lifetime Land Rights Donated
Ideally on agricultural land, so hubs can stand for generations and serve communities long-term.
One Tree Rollout — Expanding Every ~250 Miles
Starting Region
First prefabricated climate-controlled hub established. Daily pickups begin from major retail partners.
~250 miles out
Second hub opens in the next geographical circle — donated land, donated building, donated trucks.
~500 miles out
Expansion continues outward. Local auto shops donate maintenance. Volunteers pray daily.
Nationwide
The network grows — every 250 miles, a new tree. Millions fed. Retail waste eliminated.
Starting Region
First prefabricated climate-controlled hub established. Daily pickups begin from major retail partners.
~250 miles out
Second hub opens in the next geographical circle — donated land, donated building, donated trucks.
~500 miles out
Expansion continues outward. Local auto shops donate maintenance. Volunteers pray daily.
Nationwide
The network grows — every 250 miles, a new tree. Millions fed. Retail waste eliminated.
Every piece is given in the same spirit of divine providence that sustained The Barn for decades. No one is paid. Volunteers pray daily. The surplus flows directly to the poorest of the poor.
A True Win for Humankind
Won Tree does not replace The Barn — it multiplies it. What began with one man climbing into dumpsters and tossing a Miraculous Medal now becomes a national network of “trees” that turn retail waste into meals for millions.
This is the greater work Jesus spoke of. This is the revolution started by one calling, one night, and one tree.
All glory to God. Prayer and divine providence remain at the center — just as Uncle Barney and Mother Teresa taught us.