Seventh annual A Cup of Hope raises $167,000 to enhance child nutrition programs
Northern Illinois Food Bank and its Executive Women's Council recently announced that the seventh annual A Cup of Hope raised $167,000 to enhance hunger relief initiatives and helping to provide fresh, nutritious food so children across Northern Illinois can thrive.
The March 6 virtual fundraiser - an afternoon tea - featured two-time James Beard Award-winner Gale Gand, nationally acclaimed pastry chef; a conversation with Pampered Chef founder Doris Christopher; and a silent auction and raffle prizes. The funds benefit food bank initiatives such as the Child Nutrition Program, which includes the BackPack Program and school and summer meal programs.
"This event is a great opportunity for our friends and colleagues to come together and make a difference by raising money to provide food and resources for children in Northern Illinois who are food insecure," said Michelle Borman, council co-chair. "We are honored by the incredible generosity of our supporters."
Nicor Gas served as the event's presenting sponsor. Other sponsors included Wintrust Commercial Bank, Fifth Third Private Bank, YouTech, Ulta Beauty, Citgo, Volkswagen, Martin Family Foundation, FT Cares Foundation and Telemus. Company supporters included Assurance, E & J Gallo Winery, Gale Gand, Green Promoting, International Paper, Just A Taste Confections, Lamarca Prosecco, Nalco Water, Pampered Chef, State Street Jewelers, Starbucks, Suzette's, That's Caring, and Woodman's Markets.
"The Executive Women's Council is dedicated to ending childhood hunger in Northern Illinois," said Noël Leatherbury, council co-chair. "We are a diverse, energetic group who shares a passion for supporting the mission and vision of the Food Bank."
The council works in partnership with the food bank to enhance the Child Nutrition Program and support the food bank by engaging women to donate time, food and funds to help solve hunger in Northern Illinois.
To learn more or to join the Executive Women's Council, contact Anne Moore at amoore@northernilfoodbank.org or visit their Facebook page.
The vision at Northern Illinois Food Bank is for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and proud member of Feeding America, Northern Illinois Food Bank serves its neighbors in 13 counties with dignity, equity and convenience, providing 250,000 meals a day.
It brings together manufacturers, local and corporate grocers, area farmers, corporations, foundations and individuals who donate food and funding, and each week nearly 1,000 volunteers help evaluate, repack and distribute food.
Northern Illinois Food Bank also partners with more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and youth and senior feeding programs to provide nutritious food and resources. Its distribution centers are located in Geneva, Park City, Rockford and Joliet.
Find out how you can get help, volunteer, donate or get involved at SolveHungerToday.org, or follow Northern Illinois Food Bank on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.