As I write to you today, your Foundation is about to hit another major milestone — next month, we are on target to reach 100,000 cans of food and more than 3 tons of fresh food as well!
This major accomplishment would not be possible, of course, without so many friends and supporters. Together, you are making a big difference in the lives of so many people. Just yesterday, for instance, I met a woman in Southeast who has more children (between herself and her sister) living in one house than I care to count! Making ends meet is a daily challenge for her. Yesterday, she was able to load up her cart with groceries and happened to arrive on a day there was milk, eggs, corn on the cob, and (thank God) a leftover frozen ham from Easter! I just cannot imagine what she would do without the support or her local parish pantry…and you!
I am delighted to tell you that plans are well underway for A CAPITAL EVENING II, our Annual Gala Dinner and Auction at the Capital Hilton Hotel at 16th and K Streets, NW.
His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States, Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Mrs. Cuisia, will serve as Honorary Chairs. The Ambassador’s care and concern for the poor is so evident and I know you will enjoy meeting him.
Our Gala Chairs are a dynamic troika of three amazing women I have known for years and in whom I have the greatest respect and confidence: Jodi Moraru is a leading events planner in Washington, and the founder of EVOKE, a great firm that does extraordinary weddings, mitzvahs, and corporate events. Greta Kreuz is the former anchor/reporter for WJLA TV-7, who many of you will remember as Emcee of last year’s Gala. Susan Reaman is a senior executive with KPMG, and the lawyer who was instrumental in the incorporation of our Foundation and the filing of our 501(c)(3) charity status. Individually, these women are impressive, but collectively, they are unstoppable! Look for great things from them this year, including the addition of a few select items in a Live Auction! Stay tuned…tickets will go on sale June 1st.
Our JSM High School Challenge II was a tremendous success, doubling last years results with fewer participating schools! Our top performer was Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Maryland with 1,000% student participation! All of the other schools did amazingly well, too, with each surpassing more than 200% student participation. Many thanks to Elizabeth Seton, Bladensburg, Maryland; Georgetown Prep, North Bethesda, Maryland; Academy of the Holy Cross, Kensington, Maryland; and St. Vincent Pallotti, Laurel, Maryland. These students are so impressive — the have huge hearts and great commitment! We believe having them involved in this work ensures a lifetime commitment.
On another note, I hope you have the occasion to visit our website and Facebook page, where we attempt to keep you up to date on our activities. Recent posts have included an explanation of SNAP (Supplemental Food Assistance Program) and shopping list suggestions for your next food pantry donation. We also want you to know that, as a result of the proceeds of last year’s Gala, we have been able to dramatically increase our signature program, fresh food. We say “signature” because these items were not generally offered before, and are not offered at very many pantries in the area, but we believe that fresh produce, milk and eggs, bread, meat and poultry are important parts of our clients’ nutrition, and we are providing these items with greater frequency and abundance.
Wherever you live, I bet there is a food pantry within just a few miles of your home, and they can always use these items:
- Canned Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon, Corned Beef, Ham
- Canned Vegetables: Corn, Green Beans, Peas, Mixed Vegetables
- Cereal: Dry cereal, any brand, such as Cheerios, Bran Flakes, Try to avoid sugary/kids cereals. Also, Oatmeal is great in winter!
- Soups: Any kind, but particularly the “hearty” variety
- Fruit: Cans or individual plastic cups, any kind
- Pasta and Pasta Sauce: Any kind of either, but please no glass jars; plastic or cans only!
- Peanut Butter & Jelly: Any Brand, plastic containers only please!
- Macaroni and Cheese: Any Brand, also beans and rice of any variety
So, the next time you grocery shop (in New Orleans, they say “make groceries”!) pick up an item or two from this list and put it aside for the poor.
I am the luckiest guy in Washington, for I get to represent you in the care of God’s poor in His greatest city. Thank you for your donations, your concern, and your prayers.
