2nd Annual Governor’s Bowl Food and Fund Drive

In its first year, the event was wonderfully successful raising over $48,000 and bringing in more than 46,500 pounds of food for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank – or 230,000 meals for our neighbors in need! This support is crucial as we have seen the demand for our services double in the last five years.

To help address this pressing need, Governor McDonnell launched the first annual Governor’s Bowl food and fund drive last year issuing a challenge to Chambers of Commerce and state agencies throughout the Commonwealth to join together in a friendly competition “to help feed Virginians in need and keep our food banks stocked.”

This event is held during the summer months, from Memorial Day to Independence Day, a period when food and financial donations usually decline.

Monetary contributions are of critical importance as $1 allows us to provide enough food for 4 meals. Further, 96 cents of every dollar we spend go toward programs that provide food to people in need.
Governor McDonnell is calling on all businesses to join their local chamber in this competition. The chamber with the largest collection for their food bank will be personally awarded a prize by Gov. McDonnell. Join the challenge and support the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank! Your gifts will put food on the table for a growing number of hungry neighbors. 

How the Governor’s Bowl works:

 
1. The competition is organized regionally, with the winning Chamber per category (small, medium, and large) receiving the “Governor’s Bowl” for collecting the most food for its local food bank.

2. Drop-off sites for donations will be located at Chamber offices, or other designated locations.

3. Competition Rules:

 
a. All participating businesses must be Chamber members
b. Extra bonus points will be awarded for early registration
c. Financial contributions will be converted to pounds, with $1 equaling four pounds

4. Registration:

a. Chambers 

b. Businesses

c. State Agencies

Thank you for your participation!