By Sarah Mallan
As someone who works closely with events that benefit the Food Bank, I’ve missed being able to get together in person. But I’ve also been inspired by the many people who have found ways to continue to support the Food Bank over the past year. From virtual races to online fund drives, the community has made sure their neighbors would continue to have access to nutritious food. There is strength when a community comes together.
Lawyers turn out for record levels of participation
We recently saw this during the 2021 Legal Food Frenzy, a statewide initiative challenging law firms and universities to help support neighbors struggling to put enough food on the table. In our service area, 20 law firms and universities participated and helped provide 153,210 meals for their neighbors in need, breaking the previous year’s record. Not only that, but three of our participants were recognized on the state level for their contributions.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Regional Winner:
Flora Pettit
Law Schools:
Liberty: The Attorney General’s Cup – Winning Law School (per capita)
UVA: Law School – Total Giving
Winchester charity cheerleaders show up again and again
As groups are beginning to host in-person events again, it was so wonderful to attend the first such event in more than a year and half: Digging for Day Lilies. This fun day was hosted by a group of amazing supporters, Cheers! To Charity, who are based in Winchester. In addition to the event, they also hosted a 10 in 10 campaign where they raised an amazing $10,000 in 10 weeks. Cheers! members are standing together to make sure their neighbors have enough to eat. Their next event is a concert in October; check it out if you are in the area!
Your turn! Support our first Unity in Community Food and Fund Drive
These are a few of the many hunger heroes who have adapted and worked hard to help others in need of food assistance. If you are looking for a way to get involved, we encourage you to participate in our Unity in Community Food and Fund Drive, which kicks off this week! We’re marking 40 years of service to our communities throughout central and western Virginia and we need your help to collect enough food and funds to provide 400,000 meals!
Donate funds online between August 7 and August 14 and your contribution will be matched 1:1 thanks to a generous matching gift from Virginia Estates.
Or you can drop off food donations at any one of our four locations on Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Working together in unity, we can realize a future where everyone has enough to eat.
