Hi and welcome to our 15th '1 of 52' Hunger Network Newsletter.
It has been a while since our last newsletter, though there's been no lack of activity. Many of our '1 of 52' members have been making major strides both locally and nationally. I've been diligently working to get a new company off the ground, which has been consuming most of my waking hours. (And then it consumes my dreams most night, too!) The new company, Soundbox Studios, billed as 'Your Personal Recording Studio', is taking professional recording, with expert assistance, out to the public with easy access, affordability and most of all - FUN! The President of the company, Tom Carley of West Warwick, RI, is on our non-profit End Hunger Foundation's board of directors and the company is solidly behind our initiatives to help end hunger. We're in the process of launching some significant programs to raise funds and awareness for the cause. Visit www.soundboxlive.com for details.
There is HUGE news from our fellow '1 of 52' Hunger Network member Alan Shawn Feinstein's Feinstein Foundation. Here's their latest press release:
Feinstein Offers Another $1 Million Giveaway To Fight Hunger
For the tenth straight year, Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide using it to help them raise funds during March and April, 2007.
Agencies should simply inform their donors that the more of a donation they make to their agency - from March 1st to April 30th the more of the Feinstein money will be added to their donation! Many agencies say that featuring this in their mailings and telephone solicitations has increased their donations two or three times their usual returns! Only donations received from March 1st to April 30th, and from use of the Feinstein challenge, should be counted. These donations can include cash, checks and food items (that can be valued at $1.00 per item or pound) as well as pledges, as long as they were obtained ONLY in response to our challenge.
Participating agencies should send in the enclosed reporting sheet, showing the total they raised from March 1st to April 30th, 2007 from use of our challenge, with copies of any publicity they received about it, and copies of their mailing piece(s) featuring our challenge, plus a copy of their federal tax-exemption (501C3) or proof of affiliation with a tax-exempt organization - all sent by regular mail in one envelope postmarked May 1st to May 9th, 2007 only, to: The Feinstein Foundation, 37 Alhambra Circle, RI 02905. Nothing else is required. Please keep a record of what you raised and from whom should verification be requested!
Our million dollars will then be divided proportionately among all agencies complying with the above (a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $50,000 to all participating agencies). Checks will be mailed by August 1st, 2007.
Feinstein's past $1 million challenges to fight hunger have raised a record $620 million for agencies nationwide. Agencies should tell their donors that their donation toward this campaign makes them partners in the most successful grassroots campaign to fight hunger of all times. That is something they can take great pride in.
A full report of the results of the 2007 Challenge will be posted on our website in July. (SM Note: Visit www.feinsteinfoundation.com now to learn more about participating in the 2007 Challenge.)
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Also, if you are able, please consider attending a 'Community Conversation about creating Hunger Free Communities on March 7th at 7pm at the Peace Dale Congregational Church on Columbia Street in South Kingstown, RI.
Here is an abbreviated version of the press release issued from URI. Visit http://www.uri.edu/news/releases/?id=3884 for the entire copy:
Hunger-Free South Kingstown campaign to host community conversation March 7
KINGSTON, R.I. - February 20, 2007 - Creating a Hunger-Free South Kingstown will be the topic of a community conversation on March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia St., Peace Dale. The goal is to create an environment where everyone in South Kingstown has enough food to eat year-round.
The evening is sponsored by the Feinstein Center for a Hunger-Free America at the University of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Jonnycake Center in Peace Dale. Invitations to the "conversation" were mailed to elected officials, schools, organizations, churches, and agencies and the organizers hope that those receiving the invitations will spread the word. Anyone interested in knowing more about hunger and/or willing to help to end it are encouraged to attend.
"We will present some basic information about problems and challenges of hunger and present some ideas and approaches that might be used," said Gorman. "But we're interested in hearing from community members and getting their ideas.
"South Kingstown is a very caring community and the numbers aren't overwhelming. With our collective will, we should be able to make sure that the Jonnycake Center has food available during the entire year, that school meals are reaching the children who need them, and that everyone, healthy, disabled, seniors, children and the working families, have enough to eat."
Gorman noted community-based efforts are part of a nationwide approach to respond to hunger. "Hunger often seems to be overwhelming and, therefore, insurmountable. More than 38 million people in America are considered to be food insecure. If we start with one community at a time, it's possible to get a handle on hunger and, as a community, help the people who need it the most."
The organizers noted that they hope to hold a similar event in Narragansett, and that they will provide encouragement and support to other community leaders who would like to begin an initiative for their city or town. (Italics mine, SM)
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The '1 of 52' Hunger Network's grassroots approach to organizing actions fits perfectly with these recent initiatives. As stated in a letter from the National Anti-Hunger Organizations that accompanied the Blueprint to End Hunger Document, "We are issuing a call to action to every segment of our society to mobilize and work to make a vision of a Hunger Free America a reality." http://www.alliancetoendhunger.org/blueprint_to_end_hunger.htm
Our 'Strength in Numbers 1 of 52 Concept' that unites folks from all walks of life in a concerted, permanent action plan addresses this call to action. Thank you for your continued support and please continue to help spread the word!
Peace, Steve Maciel, Founder