Favorite Spring Memories!

Hard to believe that this Spring is coming to an end! It was a jam-packed with exciting events for Hunger Network clients, volunteers and supporters. With summer coming this week, it's nice to reflect on my favorite memories over the past few months.

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon - mid-March we celebrated our volunteers, the heart-and-soul of this organization. It was a western-themed luncheon honoring over 120 hunger center managers and dedicated volunteers. The group gathered at Bethany Christian Church for a delicious barbecue lunch and games. Greeted by Hunger Network Board President, Michael Teichman, the gathering celebrated their support and tireless effort of our volunteers. With over 100 hunger centers throughout Cuyahoga County, we have a massive operation of over 1,100 devoted volunteers that together donated over 568,000 hours of work in 2013.  These wonderful supporters allow the Hunger Network to live our mission on a daily basis and we cannot say 'thank you' enough....but we try!

Kids Fun Day at the IX Center - by the end of March we were off to the IX-Center for a day devoted to fun, thanks to Marc's! Over 150 clients from 7 of the Hunger Network sites were invited to the IX Center in Cleveland - the home of endless smiles. Lunch, snacks, rides and prizes...an awesome day by very generous HNGC supporters, everyone at the Hunger Network is so thankful to Marc's and the IX Center for providing a carefree, fun day to these children.

Walk for Hunger - it was our 26th year and what a year it was! We once again walked to raise funds and awareness for our mission through the streets of Downtown Cleveland. On Saturday, May 10th nearly 1,400 dedicated Clevelanders united to walk to end hunger in our community. Together, we raised $140,000 to help feed the growing need...we had such a great time that we are already looking forward to next year's event! Mark your calendars now and don't miss out on Saturday, May 9th 2015!!

Celebrity Volunteer at Community Corner - earlier this month, Alex Sheen, founder of the social movement and non-profit organization "because I said I would" volunteered here at the Hunger Network! He selflessly volunteered at the Community Corner Food Center stocking products, packing bags of food, assisting clients to their cars and more! He was a wonderful addition to the team and would be welcomed back any day! More information on his organization can be found at www.becauseIsaidIwould.com

Among all of these exciting events this Spring, we welcomed a new member to our team here at the Hunger Network! Judy Jones is our new Development Director, upon the retirement of Sandra Ralston. We welcome Judy and look forward to working with her as we strive to feed the growing need.