Chairman’s Blog 3.20.18

Posted

We have just completed our 5th Annual Lenten Food Drive and I am pleased to report we collected and delivered 36,685 cans of food.

Nine churches participated — St. Peter’s Olney, Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, St. Thomas Apostle, Our Lady of Victory, Holy Comforter – St. Cyprian, St. Augustine, Epiphany Georgetown, St. Stephen Martyr, and St. Jerome. We also had two huge food drives at Elizabeth Seton High School and the Academy of the Holy Cross.

While 36,685 cans may seem a lot to you, it’s just 49 cans per family that we serve. That is why we will again launch our 5th Annual Summer in the City Campaign, which will run from Memorial Day to Labor Day and hope to collect double what we did in Lent. We are the only organization that conducts a food drive in the summer. It’s a very critical time for the working poor in the District, so we are committed to making it another great success. We’ll have 25 churches participating and hope for some corporate and civic support as well. 

We are also pleased to announce that plans have begun for A 5-Star Capital Evening, our 5th Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Capital Hilton. As you know, this is our single find raising event of the year, and proceeds will fund the Foundation in 2019.

The evening begins with an open bar cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres during the Silent Auction. Approximately 150 auction items will be available for bidding. A sumptuous three course dinner follows and dancing caps off the evening. Entertainment is provided by the RKO Orchestra.Tickets are just $250 and reservations are now being accepted. Sponsorships are available and include mention in the program, website and social media, and recognition at the event. Special rates for valet parking and overnight guest rooms have been negotiated. There is complimentary coat check and a no tipping policy at the bar! We’ve thought of everything to ensure a great evening for our friends and supporters!Diamond Sponsorship $10,000; Platinum Sponsorship $5,000; and Gold Sponsor tables $2,500. Call 202.827.9997 for information.The evening is chaired by David Gardiner and Gina Ross and produced by Kaitlyn Hostetler with the generosity of major sponsors and donors.We are busier than ever in our 5th year with 5 very active food pantries serving more than 750 families. There are always volunteer opportunities and we remain grateful for your continued monetary support.

Keep our mission in your prayers.