COCONUT Creek, Fla., (Nov. 25, 2013) – We have a day for giving thanks, why not a day for giving back? For the second year, Food For The Poor has joined #GivingTuesday, an initiative to harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners – charities, families, businesses and individuals – to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season.
Coinciding with Thanksgiving, and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities. It will also inspire many to give back in better and smarter ways to the charities and causes they support, and help create a better world.
Taking place Dec. 3, 2013, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday will use the power of social media to create a national movement around the holidays, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days synonymous with holiday shopping.
“Food For The Poor is extremely honored be a part of #GivingTuesday. It is quickly becoming a global movement, which celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “It’s great to know that so many nonprofits, within the United States and internationally, are working together to make life better for as many people as possible.”
In 2012, more than 50 million people worldwide spread the word about #GivingTuesday resulting in a milestone trending on Twitter. The collective efforts of partners, donors and advocates also helped to fuel a marked increase in charitable giving.
Visit www.foodforthepoor.org/givingtuesday to support Food For The Poor’s #GivingTuesday initiative. You can also view the charity’s catalog video for creative ideas that will continue to change lives long after the holiday season has ended. For $10, you can give the gift of a fruit tree, or you can choose to give farm animals such as chickens, pigs, goats, donkeys and cows, which can provide an income and a source of nutrition for destitute families.
For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website www.givingtuesday.org, Facebook page www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday or follow the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.
Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Showing posts with label Caribbean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caribbean. Show all posts
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Food For The Poor: 30 years of aid, efficiency and hope
Named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the nation’s largest international relief and development agency, Food For The Poor was able to offer aid to millions of people last year, as a result of support from its dedicated donors. For three decades, Food For The Poor has given hope to the hungry, the destitute, and the abandoned throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. As the agency celebrates its 30th anniversary, Food For The Poor has set a goal in 2012 to build 12,000 homes, dig 1,200 water wells, and ship 1,200 containers of food to help those suffering within the 17 countries it serves.
According to Food For The Poor’s 2011 Annual Report:
- Operating expenses were under 4 percent – ensuring that more than 96 percent of donations go directly toward programs that help the poor.
- More than 24.9 million pounds of rice, 7.7 million pounds of beans, 10.3 million pounds of canned foods, and other life-sustaining foods were delivered to the hungry.
- The charity built 6,294 housing units – bringing the total to more than 77,417 since 1982. In Haiti alone, Food For The Poor built 2,184 permanent two-room homes with sanitation units.
- 588 trailers of medicines and medical supplies and 310 trailers of educational supplies were shipped.
- 56 fishing village initiatives, tilapia ponds, fruit tree planting projects, animal husbandry and agricultural programs provided food and income, which helped to create self-sustaining communities.
- Food For The Poor continued to provide clean water, build schools, training centers, and clinics, and to support nursing homes and orphanages.
Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Wanda Wright
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6079
wandaw@foodforthepoor.com
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Inspiration from the poor: Gifts of hope, faith & love -- Food For The Poor celebrates 30 years of service
Like the luminous reflection from a shiny pearl, Food For The Poor has been for three decades a ray of hope for the hungry, the destitute, and the abandoned in the Caribbean and Latin America. The ministry may have started out as a feeding program in Jamaica 30 years ago, but has since grown exponentially to become the largest international relief organization in the United States, with associated charities in Canada, Haiti, Guyana and Jamaica.
The ministry, through its dedicated donors, has built more than 77,000 homes, sent more than 60,000 containers filled with essential goods to the 17 countries it serves, and has delivered more than $9 billion in aid since its inception. Optimistic about the challenges that lay ahead, Food For The Poor’s goal for 2012 is to build 12,000 homes, dig 1,200 water wells, and ship 1,200 containers of food to help the destitute.
“There are so many problems in the world, and during this time of economic chaos the truly poor are the ones who suffer the most; they’re often overlooked or simply forgotten,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “For 30 years, we have responded to the cries of the poor. I am humbled by the reality that tens of thousands of families are now being helped by this ministry. What a tremendous blessing.”
Food For The Poor was founded by Ferdinand (Ferdy) Mahfood in 1982. He and his wife, Patti, traveled throughout the Caribbean working to bring relief to victims of poverty, disease and natural disasters. Ferdy once told friends, “When I can be among Jesus’ poor, that is where I find the face of God.”
In 1985, the ministry built its first home for a family in Jamaica. In 1988, Food For The Poor responded to the needs of victims of Hurricane Gilbert on the island, drilled its first water well in Haiti in 1992, and three years later built its first school, the Ti Aiyti School in Cite Soleil. In 1996, Food For The Poor expanded to begin serving the poor in Central America, specifically El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. In 2000, Robin Mahfood assumed the role of president. A year later, Food For The Poor’s first fishing village was built in Old Pera, Jamaica.
“The name of our organization has become somewhat of a misnomer because we do so much on behalf of the poor,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “Since the very beginning, the goal of this ministry has been to teach and to provide those we serve with the necessary tools to support themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Food For The Poor is building homes, hospitals, schools, and community centers that provide technical training. The ministry has also implemented animal husbandry, agricultural and aquaculture projects in the countries it serves to help the poor generate income.
Food For The Poor immediately responded to the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti by shipping food, water, medicines, water-filtration systems, building supplies, tools and hygiene kits. Since the tragedy, Food For The Poor has built or replaced a dozen schools, installed 45 water filtration units, and built 2,681 homes. The organization is committed to long-term recovery efforts.
“Food For The Poor celebrated 25 years in Haiti in 2011. As we look toward the future, we will be there every step of the way providing gifts of hope, faith and love, in order to help our brothers and sisters to rebuild their homeland,” said Mahfood.
On Friday, Feb. 10 at 8:30 a.m., a celebration commemorating Food For The Poor’s 30th anniversary will take place at the Coconut Creek headquarters. There will be a procession representing the 17 countries Food For The Poor serves, songs of praise, video presentations, and poetry readings in tribute to three decades of service.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Wanda Wright
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6079
wandaw@foodforthepoor.com
The ministry, through its dedicated donors, has built more than 77,000 homes, sent more than 60,000 containers filled with essential goods to the 17 countries it serves, and has delivered more than $9 billion in aid since its inception. Optimistic about the challenges that lay ahead, Food For The Poor’s goal for 2012 is to build 12,000 homes, dig 1,200 water wells, and ship 1,200 containers of food to help the destitute.“There are so many problems in the world, and during this time of economic chaos the truly poor are the ones who suffer the most; they’re often overlooked or simply forgotten,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “For 30 years, we have responded to the cries of the poor. I am humbled by the reality that tens of thousands of families are now being helped by this ministry. What a tremendous blessing.”
Food For The Poor was founded by Ferdinand (Ferdy) Mahfood in 1982. He and his wife, Patti, traveled throughout the Caribbean working to bring relief to victims of poverty, disease and natural disasters. Ferdy once told friends, “When I can be among Jesus’ poor, that is where I find the face of God.”
In 1985, the ministry built its first home for a family in Jamaica. In 1988, Food For The Poor responded to the needs of victims of Hurricane Gilbert on the island, drilled its first water well in Haiti in 1992, and three years later built its first school, the Ti Aiyti School in Cite Soleil. In 1996, Food For The Poor expanded to begin serving the poor in Central America, specifically El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. In 2000, Robin Mahfood assumed the role of president. A year later, Food For The Poor’s first fishing village was built in Old Pera, Jamaica.
“The name of our organization has become somewhat of a misnomer because we do so much on behalf of the poor,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “Since the very beginning, the goal of this ministry has been to teach and to provide those we serve with the necessary tools to support themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Food For The Poor is building homes, hospitals, schools, and community centers that provide technical training. The ministry has also implemented animal husbandry, agricultural and aquaculture projects in the countries it serves to help the poor generate income.
Food For The Poor immediately responded to the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti by shipping food, water, medicines, water-filtration systems, building supplies, tools and hygiene kits. Since the tragedy, Food For The Poor has built or replaced a dozen schools, installed 45 water filtration units, and built 2,681 homes. The organization is committed to long-term recovery efforts.
“Food For The Poor celebrated 25 years in Haiti in 2011. As we look toward the future, we will be there every step of the way providing gifts of hope, faith and love, in order to help our brothers and sisters to rebuild their homeland,” said Mahfood.
On Friday, Feb. 10 at 8:30 a.m., a celebration commemorating Food For The Poor’s 30th anniversary will take place at the Coconut Creek headquarters. There will be a procession representing the 17 countries Food For The Poor serves, songs of praise, video presentations, and poetry readings in tribute to three decades of service.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Wanda Wright
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6079
wandaw@foodforthepoor.com
Friday, November 11, 2011
Caribbean region battling HIV/AIDS, needs help to win the fight
It’s been 30 years since the world first learned about the dreadful disease that attacks a person’s body by destroying specific blood cells that fight infections. According to the World Health Organization, since the beginning of this pandemic, more than 60 million people worldwide have been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and nearly 30 million have died from this virus that causes AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Many medical advances have been made, including the introduction of antiretroviral drugs like AZT in 1987 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the mid-90s a highly active combo of medicines were introduced to treat the virus. Today, these medicines are helping those infected with HIV to live longer and to have productive lives.
“It is these medicines Food For The Poor is seeking to obtain through donors and partner organizations to help those living with HIV/AIDS and those infected by this virus get the treatment and support they need,” said Robin Mahfood, CEO/President of Food For The Poor. “This ministry has been saving lives, transforming communities and renewing hope in the Caribbean and Latin America for nearly 30 years. We are committed to using all available resources to support the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS for those we serve.”
Food For The Poor helps to empower 33 facilities throughout the Caribbean and Latin America that care for more than 10,000 individuals with this virus. In the Caribbean, in 2009, more than 240,000 people in the region were living with HIV. In that same year there were 20,000 new infections, and 12,000 deaths that resulted from AIDS-related illnesses, according to statements by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Due to these staggering statistics, Food For The Poor has been invited to participate and is on the planning committee for the very first conference on AIDS in the Caribbean region. Food For The Poor will be represented by Susan Moore, Director of Healthcare for Food For The Poor’s Jamaica office.
“Food For The Poor has always been there for the people of Jamaica, and many in the Caribbean. I am hopeful this conference will help to break down stigmas about this disease so we can continue to help as many people as possible,” said Moore.
Food For The Poor has provided ongoing support to Jamaica’s Mustard Seed Community for more than 25 years. The Mustard Seed orphanage cares for the abandoned, the disabled, and for children who are HIV positive. Since 2003, Food For The Poor’s Our Lady of The Poor Medical Clinic at Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has been serving those affected by the disease. The clinic runs a comprehensive prevention mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission program and clinic for infected patients. In the Dominican Republic, Food For The Poor has partnered with Fundacion Cruz Jiminian, which collaborates with two organizations there to provide testing, counseling, and medication.
“We are touching the lives of the infected and those who are affected especially the children,” said Rachmani Domersant, Vice President of International Operations for Food For The Poor. “We are so thankful to be in a position to help, and to have an active role in this fight against HIV/AIDS – what a blessing!”
More than 2,500 participants, including doctors, researchers, healthcare providers, organizations and HIV patients have registered to attend the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference –Strengthening Evidence to Achieve Sustainable Action. The conference is scheduled for November 18-21, 2011 in Nassau, Bahamas, at the Atlantis Hotel & Resort. For details on the conference click on www.2011caribbeanhivconference.org.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Wanda Wright
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6079
wandaw@foodforthepoor.com
Many medical advances have been made, including the introduction of antiretroviral drugs like AZT in 1987 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the mid-90s a highly active combo of medicines were introduced to treat the virus. Today, these medicines are helping those infected with HIV to live longer and to have productive lives.
“It is these medicines Food For The Poor is seeking to obtain through donors and partner organizations to help those living with HIV/AIDS and those infected by this virus get the treatment and support they need,” said Robin Mahfood, CEO/President of Food For The Poor. “This ministry has been saving lives, transforming communities and renewing hope in the Caribbean and Latin America for nearly 30 years. We are committed to using all available resources to support the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS for those we serve.”Food For The Poor helps to empower 33 facilities throughout the Caribbean and Latin America that care for more than 10,000 individuals with this virus. In the Caribbean, in 2009, more than 240,000 people in the region were living with HIV. In that same year there were 20,000 new infections, and 12,000 deaths that resulted from AIDS-related illnesses, according to statements by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Due to these staggering statistics, Food For The Poor has been invited to participate and is on the planning committee for the very first conference on AIDS in the Caribbean region. Food For The Poor will be represented by Susan Moore, Director of Healthcare for Food For The Poor’s Jamaica office.
“Food For The Poor has always been there for the people of Jamaica, and many in the Caribbean. I am hopeful this conference will help to break down stigmas about this disease so we can continue to help as many people as possible,” said Moore.
Food For The Poor has provided ongoing support to Jamaica’s Mustard Seed Community for more than 25 years. The Mustard Seed orphanage cares for the abandoned, the disabled, and for children who are HIV positive. Since 2003, Food For The Poor’s Our Lady of The Poor Medical Clinic at Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has been serving those affected by the disease. The clinic runs a comprehensive prevention mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission program and clinic for infected patients. In the Dominican Republic, Food For The Poor has partnered with Fundacion Cruz Jiminian, which collaborates with two organizations there to provide testing, counseling, and medication.
“We are touching the lives of the infected and those who are affected especially the children,” said Rachmani Domersant, Vice President of International Operations for Food For The Poor. “We are so thankful to be in a position to help, and to have an active role in this fight against HIV/AIDS – what a blessing!”
More than 2,500 participants, including doctors, researchers, healthcare providers, organizations and HIV patients have registered to attend the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference –Strengthening Evidence to Achieve Sustainable Action. The conference is scheduled for November 18-21, 2011 in Nassau, Bahamas, at the Atlantis Hotel & Resort. For details on the conference click on www.2011caribbeanhivconference.org.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Wanda Wright
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6079
wandaw@foodforthepoor.com
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Food For The Poor rises to #1 ranking
Food For The Poor has risen again to the number one spot as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s list of the top 400 charities. The charity last received the number one international ranking in 2008.
The Christian ministry, which works to end the suffering of the poor across Latin America and the Caribbean, ranked sixth overall of the 400 charities in the United States that raise the most from private sources. Food For The Poor’s rankings can be attributed to faithful donors and the charity’s consistently high efficiency ratio. In 2010, more than 96 percent of all donations went directly to programs that helped the poor.
“In February 2012, Food For The Poor will celebrate its 30th anniversary. To be able to say that we now are the largest international charity in the United States, is an additional blessing,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “So many lives have been touched, so many people depend on Food For The Poor for their livelihood, but most importantly, this is God’s work. Our donors are working with us in His vineyard and with God in our lives and our work, we will never fail and all good things will be possible.”
Compassionate donors and maximum efficiency through low administrative and fundraising costs has enabled Food For The Poor to sustain excellent ratings and broaden its service to the poor through providing life-transforming homes, education and sustainable projects such as fish ponds and animal husbandry.
Since inception, the charity has built more than 76,000 homes. In Haiti alone, Food For The Poor has built more than 2,400 homes since the January 2010 earthquake.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.
To learn more, please visit www.foodforthepoor.org.
Contact:
Kathy Skipper
Food For The Poor
Public Relations Director
954-427-2222 x 6614
kathys@foodforthepoor.com
The Christian ministry, which works to end the suffering of the poor across Latin America and the Caribbean, ranked sixth overall of the 400 charities in the United States that raise the most from private sources. Food For The Poor’s rankings can be attributed to faithful donors and the charity’s consistently high efficiency ratio. In 2010, more than 96 percent of all donations went directly to programs that helped the poor. “In February 2012, Food For The Poor will celebrate its 30th anniversary. To be able to say that we now are the largest international charity in the United States, is an additional blessing,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “So many lives have been touched, so many people depend on Food For The Poor for their livelihood, but most importantly, this is God’s work. Our donors are working with us in His vineyard and with God in our lives and our work, we will never fail and all good things will be possible.”
Compassionate donors and maximum efficiency through low administrative and fundraising costs has enabled Food For The Poor to sustain excellent ratings and broaden its service to the poor through providing life-transforming homes, education and sustainable projects such as fish ponds and animal husbandry.
Since inception, the charity has built more than 76,000 homes. In Haiti alone, Food For The Poor has built more than 2,400 homes since the January 2010 earthquake.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.
To learn more, please visit www.foodforthepoor.org.
Contact:
Kathy Skipper
Food For The Poor
Public Relations Director
954-427-2222 x 6614
kathys@foodforthepoor.com
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Caribbean-themed event opens hearts and doors for Haiti
The 10-year involvement and steadfast support from northern Illinois residents ensured The Hope for Haitians Committee and Food For The Poor’s fundraising event, An Evening in the Tropics, was a well-attended event with more than 320 guests.
Residents from the Rockford/Chicago communities showed their commitment to Haiti by funding the final phase of construction for the Hope Friendship Village in Chastenoye, Haiti, and the first phase of a self-sustaining village in Mazere, Haiti. Donors also provided school sponsorships for 200 children from the Rockford Friendship Village and the Hope Friendship Village.
Rhythmic sounds of a steel drummer started the Caribbean-themed event’s cocktail reception and exclusive silent auction. Bidding on auction prizes offered opportunities for guests to donate to the cause at the same time. Prizes included art and collectibles from the Caribbean and Latin America, designer jewelry, luxury vacations, and golf and dining packages. An Evening in the Tropics offered a full night of exceptional dining, dancing and inspirational moments.
During the cocktail reception, guests for the first time had an opportunity to walk inside a pre-fabricated structure that portrays a 12-by-12-foot yellow Food For The Poor house. For $3,200, Food For The Poor can build a single-unit home with sanitation to replace a crumbling shack that leaks when it rains. The simple structure had a tremendous impact on the guests. Since 1982, Food For The Poor has constructed more than 76,013 new housing units with concrete foundations, locking doors, windows, and zinc roofs with hurricane straps in the countries it serves.
The event co-chairpersons and committee members devised a unique way to inspire attendees to contribute toward making a difference in the lives of others. For a $25 donation, more than 100 guests purchased a starfish for the chance to win either a Tiffany gold and silver cross necklace or a men’s Polo watch.
Five-year-old Riley Kegley’s fundraising campaign started even earlier. In July, to prepare for his birthday, he decided to donate his birthday savings to benefit the people of Haiti. With the help of his mom, who is a committee member, Riley created a YouTube video to share his birthday goal with family and friends. To his surprise he not only raised enough money to buy a cow – he raised enough money to buy two cows and three goats.
The master of ceremonies for this year’s event was veteran broadcast journalist Mike Robinson. Co-chairmen Tom Lorden, Pat Bachrodt and Peter Roche and members of the surrounding communities have traveled multiple times to Haiti to meet the people who directly benefit from this annual event’s proceeds.
Event committee members included Joseph Altenhoff, Patrick Bachrodt, Rev. David Beauvais, Virginia Canavan, William Clancy, Michael Delany, Brian & Missy Hand, Frank Haney, Msgr. Robert Hoffman, Theresa Kegley, Danny Lorden, Tom & Nancy Lorden, Bob McLaughlin, Philip Nicolosi, Patti Rangel, Peter Roche, Andy Schultheis and Jerry Weber.
An Evening in the Tropics sponsors included: AAA Quality Limo, Aurora Central Catholic, Bachrodt Motors on State, Dick & Marg Bachrodt, Lou Bachrodt Auto Group, Lou Bachrodt Foundation, Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera, Ralph J. Baudhuin Foundation, Boylan Catholic High School, William & Catherine Clancy, Comerica Bank, Mike & Donna Cristoforo, Crowe Horwath, LLP, Mike & Colleen Delany, Diamond Envelope, Tony & Jean Domino, Focus Financial Advisors Inc., Joe Geraghty, Giovanni's Restaurant, Brian & Missy Hand and Family, Joe Hansberry – NAPA, Holy Family Church, Kelley Williamson Company, Thomas & Lesley Killoren, Jeffrey & Sally Krogh, Lorden Charitable Foundation, Robert and Mary Lou McLaughlin, Rebecca Newton, Nicolosi & Associates, OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Rhonda & RC Pottinger, Resource Dealer Group, Inc, Risch Family Foundation, Riverside Community Bank, Peter & Sandy Roche Family, Savant Capital Management, Fern Shore, St. James Catholic Church, St. John Neumann Church, St. Katherine Drexel, St. Thomas More, Warner Specialized Petroleum Services, and WIPFLi HEWINS.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.
For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
Tom Lorden
Event Co-Chairman
815-964-1904
tomlorden@hotmail.com>
Residents from the Rockford/Chicago communities showed their commitment to Haiti by funding the final phase of construction for the Hope Friendship Village in Chastenoye, Haiti, and the first phase of a self-sustaining village in Mazere, Haiti. Donors also provided school sponsorships for 200 children from the Rockford Friendship Village and the Hope Friendship Village.
Rhythmic sounds of a steel drummer started the Caribbean-themed event’s cocktail reception and exclusive silent auction. Bidding on auction prizes offered opportunities for guests to donate to the cause at the same time. Prizes included art and collectibles from the Caribbean and Latin America, designer jewelry, luxury vacations, and golf and dining packages. An Evening in the Tropics offered a full night of exceptional dining, dancing and inspirational moments.During the cocktail reception, guests for the first time had an opportunity to walk inside a pre-fabricated structure that portrays a 12-by-12-foot yellow Food For The Poor house. For $3,200, Food For The Poor can build a single-unit home with sanitation to replace a crumbling shack that leaks when it rains. The simple structure had a tremendous impact on the guests. Since 1982, Food For The Poor has constructed more than 76,013 new housing units with concrete foundations, locking doors, windows, and zinc roofs with hurricane straps in the countries it serves.
The event co-chairpersons and committee members devised a unique way to inspire attendees to contribute toward making a difference in the lives of others. For a $25 donation, more than 100 guests purchased a starfish for the chance to win either a Tiffany gold and silver cross necklace or a men’s Polo watch.
Five-year-old Riley Kegley’s fundraising campaign started even earlier. In July, to prepare for his birthday, he decided to donate his birthday savings to benefit the people of Haiti. With the help of his mom, who is a committee member, Riley created a YouTube video to share his birthday goal with family and friends. To his surprise he not only raised enough money to buy a cow – he raised enough money to buy two cows and three goats.
The master of ceremonies for this year’s event was veteran broadcast journalist Mike Robinson. Co-chairmen Tom Lorden, Pat Bachrodt and Peter Roche and members of the surrounding communities have traveled multiple times to Haiti to meet the people who directly benefit from this annual event’s proceeds.
Event committee members included Joseph Altenhoff, Patrick Bachrodt, Rev. David Beauvais, Virginia Canavan, William Clancy, Michael Delany, Brian & Missy Hand, Frank Haney, Msgr. Robert Hoffman, Theresa Kegley, Danny Lorden, Tom & Nancy Lorden, Bob McLaughlin, Philip Nicolosi, Patti Rangel, Peter Roche, Andy Schultheis and Jerry Weber.
An Evening in the Tropics sponsors included: AAA Quality Limo, Aurora Central Catholic, Bachrodt Motors on State, Dick & Marg Bachrodt, Lou Bachrodt Auto Group, Lou Bachrodt Foundation, Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera, Ralph J. Baudhuin Foundation, Boylan Catholic High School, William & Catherine Clancy, Comerica Bank, Mike & Donna Cristoforo, Crowe Horwath, LLP, Mike & Colleen Delany, Diamond Envelope, Tony & Jean Domino, Focus Financial Advisors Inc., Joe Geraghty, Giovanni's Restaurant, Brian & Missy Hand and Family, Joe Hansberry – NAPA, Holy Family Church, Kelley Williamson Company, Thomas & Lesley Killoren, Jeffrey & Sally Krogh, Lorden Charitable Foundation, Robert and Mary Lou McLaughlin, Rebecca Newton, Nicolosi & Associates, OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Rhonda & RC Pottinger, Resource Dealer Group, Inc, Risch Family Foundation, Riverside Community Bank, Peter & Sandy Roche Family, Savant Capital Management, Fern Shore, St. James Catholic Church, St. John Neumann Church, St. Katherine Drexel, St. Thomas More, Warner Specialized Petroleum Services, and WIPFLi HEWINS.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.
For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
Tom Lorden
Event Co-Chairman
815-964-1904
tomlorden@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Feeding hungry families, saving lives, one step at a time
Dust off those sneakers, if you haven’t already, and get ready to run, jog or walk in what has become one of Food For The Poor’s most popular events in its fight against hunger.
The 6th annual “5K Walk/Run For Hunger” fundraiser in Deerfield Beach, Fla. on Sept. 24, will kick-start events nationwide: Oct. 15 in Fort Mill, S.C., Nov. 12 in Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 19 in Miami, Fla., and April 7 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Every step will benefit malnourished children and their families – our neighbors, in the Caribbean and Latin America. Your support is needed to quell the hunger pains of children who have bloated bellies and orange hair caused by protein deficiency.
To help, register to participate and invite your friends and family to support your cause. Please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/walk to sign up, start a team or make a donation. Take advantage of the “Participant Center” to create a personalized fundraising page, share your goal with family, friends, coworkers and contacts, while you monitor your progress.
Pre-registration is at the discounted rate of $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-10, and there is no fee for children 5 years old and under. The registration cost for South Florida walkers includes a T-shirt and lunch. Special awards will be given to the individuals who raise the largest amount of donations. For more information, please call 1-888-404-4248 or visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/walk. You can also register the day of the event. Registration starts at 6 a.m., the run begins at 7 a.m. and the walk is at 9 a.m.
If you don’t live in a city where a walk is scheduled, you can still participate by registering online as a virtual walker. Do your part to feed starving children and their families, while raising awareness about Food For The Poor, one of the most efficient charities in the United States.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
The 6th annual “5K Walk/Run For Hunger” fundraiser in Deerfield Beach, Fla. on Sept. 24, will kick-start events nationwide: Oct. 15 in Fort Mill, S.C., Nov. 12 in Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 19 in Miami, Fla., and April 7 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Every step will benefit malnourished children and their families – our neighbors, in the Caribbean and Latin America. Your support is needed to quell the hunger pains of children who have bloated bellies and orange hair caused by protein deficiency. To help, register to participate and invite your friends and family to support your cause. Please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/walk to sign up, start a team or make a donation. Take advantage of the “Participant Center” to create a personalized fundraising page, share your goal with family, friends, coworkers and contacts, while you monitor your progress.
Pre-registration is at the discounted rate of $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-10, and there is no fee for children 5 years old and under. The registration cost for South Florida walkers includes a T-shirt and lunch. Special awards will be given to the individuals who raise the largest amount of donations. For more information, please call 1-888-404-4248 or visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/walk. You can also register the day of the event. Registration starts at 6 a.m., the run begins at 7 a.m. and the walk is at 9 a.m.
If you don’t live in a city where a walk is scheduled, you can still participate by registering online as a virtual walker. Do your part to feed starving children and their families, while raising awareness about Food For The Poor, one of the most efficient charities in the United States.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Food For The Poor focused on aid, efficiency
Just a few days into 2010, one of the largest disasters in modern history devastated Haiti. In response, the leading provider of aid to Haiti, Food For The Poor, sent 1,461 tractor-trailer loads of food, water, medicines and other lifesaving relief aid valued at $188.9 million. While Haiti dominated headlines for much of the year, the nonprofit continued to send supplies to the other 16 countries served in the Caribbean and Latin America.
In total, the nation’s third-largest international relief and development agency provided more than $1 billion in aid to the poor in 2010.
According to Food For The Poor’s 2010 Annual Report:
- Food For The Poor held its operating expenses under 4 percent -- ensuring that more than 96 percent of donations go directly toward programs that help the poor.
- More than 23.2 million pounds of rice, 11.5 million pounds of beans, 2.9 million pounds of canned foods, and 24 million pounds of other life-sustaining foods were delivered to the hungry.
- The charity built 9,460 housing units – bringing the total to more than 71,123 since 1982. In Haiti alone, Food For The Poor built 1,589 permanent two-room homes with sanitation units.
- Food For The Poor sent 672.5 trailers of medicines and medical supplies and 79 trailers of educational supplies.
- Food For The Poor continued to provide clean water, build schools and clinics, and support nursing homes and orphanages.
- The charity gave hope to thousands through 50 fishing villages in Haiti and Jamaica, tilapia ponds, by planting fruit trees, and by providing animal husbandry and agricultural programs. Thousands of women are learning life skills in hundreds of training centers.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
In total, the nation’s third-largest international relief and development agency provided more than $1 billion in aid to the poor in 2010. According to Food For The Poor’s 2010 Annual Report:
- Food For The Poor held its operating expenses under 4 percent -- ensuring that more than 96 percent of donations go directly toward programs that help the poor.
- More than 23.2 million pounds of rice, 11.5 million pounds of beans, 2.9 million pounds of canned foods, and 24 million pounds of other life-sustaining foods were delivered to the hungry.
- The charity built 9,460 housing units – bringing the total to more than 71,123 since 1982. In Haiti alone, Food For The Poor built 1,589 permanent two-room homes with sanitation units.
- Food For The Poor sent 672.5 trailers of medicines and medical supplies and 79 trailers of educational supplies.
- Food For The Poor continued to provide clean water, build schools and clinics, and support nursing homes and orphanages.
- The charity gave hope to thousands through 50 fishing villages in Haiti and Jamaica, tilapia ponds, by planting fruit trees, and by providing animal husbandry and agricultural programs. Thousands of women are learning life skills in hundreds of training centers.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Building Hope Gala’s House Rally Sets Record of 60 Housing Units
More than 350 compassionate South Florida residents attended Food For The Poor’s sold-out Building Hope Gala on Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Boca West Country Club. As the gala’s names implies, attendees gathered to create a legacy by pledging to build critically needed houses during the charity’s live house-rally. This year, the energized crowd pledged to construct a record 60 housing units – to restore hope and to shelter the destitute in the Caribbean and Latin America.
“Imagine being afraid of the very structure that serves as your home,” said Robin Mahfood, CEO/President of Food For The Poor. “No one can fight poverty alone. Together, we can continue to improve the conditions of endangered communities, one family at a time.”
Food For The Poor can build a simple housing unit with a latrine for $3,200. Food For The Poor homes are built with a strong corrugated zinc roof, a solid concrete foundation, cement block walls, windows for ventilation and a front door that can be locked.
At the helm, event co-chairpersons, Cathy and Abdol Moabery and Rene and Francis Mahfood, steered a new course for Food For The Poor’s 16th annual Building Hope Gala. Committee members included Ronda Gluck, Julie Mahfood, Pamela Matsil, Natasha Singh, Patricia Wallace and Traci Wilson.
The event’s elegant cocktail reception and exclusive silent auction began with the sounds of saxophonist, Leo Casino. Bidding on silent auction prizes offered opportunities for guests to donate to the cause at the same time. Prizes included exclusive art and collectibles from the Caribbean and Latin America, designer jewelry, luxury vacations, and golf and dining packages. The Building Hope Gala offered a full night of exceptional dining, dancing and inspirational moments.
“We are blessed to live in this country while in other parts of the world a Food For The Poor home provides a secure, dry and potentially warm place to sleep at night,” said Cathy Moabery. “It is our hope that receiving a Food For The Poor home will give them the will and determination to build stronger family units, while also building on their dreams.”
The event co-chairpersons and committee members devised a unique way to inspire gala attendees to contribute toward making a difference in the lives of others. For a donation, 50 guests purchased a starfish to see what they would win. Each starfish represented a unique gift. The grand prize was a pair of beautiful diamond earrings donated by Gregory’s Fine Jewelry in Boca Raton. Gregory’s Fine jewelry also donated necklaces and gift certificates for prizes.
Master of ceremonies, Calvin Hughes, an Emmy Award-winning newscaster for WPLG-TV ABC Local 10 News, shared stories from his personal journeys to Haiti where he reported how nonprofits such as Food For The Poor continue to strive to improve lives and living conditions throughout the country.
“What a small price to pay, to give someone the joy of having a place to call home; a place where they can have hope and, most importantly, a place where families can dream,” said Rene Mahfood.
Event sponsors included Aljoma Lumber, American Nicaraguan Foundation, Bernuth Agencies, Inc., Dennis Charley & Associates, Inc., Dusco Doors, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Haiti Shipping Lines, Japs-Olson Company, McFFe Group, MSP, The Pereira Family, Quadriga Art, Inc., SEACOR Holdings Inc., Seaboard Marine Ltd., Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami (Taiwan), TD Bank, N.A., United Healthcare, and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care.
For information regarding next year’s Building Hope Gala please call 1-888-404-4248 or visit the event page.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the United States, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information please visit www.foodforthepoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Public Relations
(954) 427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
“Imagine being afraid of the very structure that serves as your home,” said Robin Mahfood, CEO/President of Food For The Poor. “No one can fight poverty alone. Together, we can continue to improve the conditions of endangered communities, one family at a time.”Food For The Poor can build a simple housing unit with a latrine for $3,200. Food For The Poor homes are built with a strong corrugated zinc roof, a solid concrete foundation, cement block walls, windows for ventilation and a front door that can be locked.
At the helm, event co-chairpersons, Cathy and Abdol Moabery and Rene and Francis Mahfood, steered a new course for Food For The Poor’s 16th annual Building Hope Gala. Committee members included Ronda Gluck, Julie Mahfood, Pamela Matsil, Natasha Singh, Patricia Wallace and Traci Wilson.
The event’s elegant cocktail reception and exclusive silent auction began with the sounds of saxophonist, Leo Casino. Bidding on silent auction prizes offered opportunities for guests to donate to the cause at the same time. Prizes included exclusive art and collectibles from the Caribbean and Latin America, designer jewelry, luxury vacations, and golf and dining packages. The Building Hope Gala offered a full night of exceptional dining, dancing and inspirational moments.
“We are blessed to live in this country while in other parts of the world a Food For The Poor home provides a secure, dry and potentially warm place to sleep at night,” said Cathy Moabery. “It is our hope that receiving a Food For The Poor home will give them the will and determination to build stronger family units, while also building on their dreams.”
The event co-chairpersons and committee members devised a unique way to inspire gala attendees to contribute toward making a difference in the lives of others. For a donation, 50 guests purchased a starfish to see what they would win. Each starfish represented a unique gift. The grand prize was a pair of beautiful diamond earrings donated by Gregory’s Fine Jewelry in Boca Raton. Gregory’s Fine jewelry also donated necklaces and gift certificates for prizes.
Master of ceremonies, Calvin Hughes, an Emmy Award-winning newscaster for WPLG-TV ABC Local 10 News, shared stories from his personal journeys to Haiti where he reported how nonprofits such as Food For The Poor continue to strive to improve lives and living conditions throughout the country.
“What a small price to pay, to give someone the joy of having a place to call home; a place where they can have hope and, most importantly, a place where families can dream,” said Rene Mahfood.
Event sponsors included Aljoma Lumber, American Nicaraguan Foundation, Bernuth Agencies, Inc., Dennis Charley & Associates, Inc., Dusco Doors, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Haiti Shipping Lines, Japs-Olson Company, McFFe Group, MSP, The Pereira Family, Quadriga Art, Inc., SEACOR Holdings Inc., Seaboard Marine Ltd., Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami (Taiwan), TD Bank, N.A., United Healthcare, and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care.
For information regarding next year’s Building Hope Gala please call 1-888-404-4248 or visit the event page.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the United States, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information please visit www.foodforthepoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Public Relations
(954) 427-2222 x 6054
jennifero@foodforthepoor.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Charity Presents Powerful Stories of Children Who Struggle to Survive in Developing Countries
For the first time ever in long-form programming, Food For The Poor will share with viewers in the United States the desperate plight of children who suffer horrific living conditions in developing countries. The personal stories of children in Haiti and Guatemala show the harsh realities of extreme destitution, while simultaneously providing viewers the opportunity to be a true blessing to the poor and hungry, by becoming an Angel Of The Poor.
Every day, millions of children are forced to go hungry, thousands suffer from severe malnourishment, and their parents are helpless to save them. When children cry out in pain, it breaks the parents’ hearts because they do not have food, clean drinking water, and medicines to give their children – in some cases, to save their lives.
“Food For The Poor donors have been saving lives for 29 years in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Robin Mahfood, Food For The Poor’s President/CEO. “Our donors have empowered us to be the premier providers of aid in Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana and almost all countries of Central America. This aid takes the form of life-saving food, water, permanent housing, education, medicine, micro-enterprise and self-sustainability projects – all this while maintaining an administrative cost ratio of less than 4 percent.”
During the program, spokesperson Cheryl Ladd, who starred in “Charlie’s Angels,” asks viewers to consider giving monthly to the nonprofit Food For The Poor.
The charity partners with suppliers to stretch the purchasing power of your monetary donations, so lifesaving resources can reach even more precious children.
“Despite our efficient, effective and impactful work funded by a solid number of generous and loyal donors, we still remain strangers to a large part of this country’s population,” said Angel Aloma, Food For The Poor’s Executive Director. “I am confident that this exciting initiative in the medium of television will introduce our work to a larger audience and gain us a plethora of new friends with a heart for serving those who live in extreme poverty.”
Based on viewers’ unique life experiences, everyone will be moved differently by the personal stories. Some will identify with the young mother who is unable to provide for the two children God gave her – who escapes from her painful reality of parasites and her children’s cries of hunger by praying to God. Others will identify more with the siblings’ struggles to provide food and as little as $1 - $2 by scouring dangerous garbage dumps in Guatemala for materials to be recycled, repurposed or eaten.
Through their suffering they pray for refuge in God’s love and comfort.
The program includes donor testimonials to inspire and remind viewers that every gift, regardless of size and value will help Food For The Poor provide food, medicine, shelter and access to safe drinking water to the poorest of the poor.
Learn how you can become an Angel Of The Poor.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Every day, millions of children are forced to go hungry, thousands suffer from severe malnourishment, and their parents are helpless to save them. When children cry out in pain, it breaks the parents’ hearts because they do not have food, clean drinking water, and medicines to give their children – in some cases, to save their lives.“Food For The Poor donors have been saving lives for 29 years in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Robin Mahfood, Food For The Poor’s President/CEO. “Our donors have empowered us to be the premier providers of aid in Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana and almost all countries of Central America. This aid takes the form of life-saving food, water, permanent housing, education, medicine, micro-enterprise and self-sustainability projects – all this while maintaining an administrative cost ratio of less than 4 percent.”
During the program, spokesperson Cheryl Ladd, who starred in “Charlie’s Angels,” asks viewers to consider giving monthly to the nonprofit Food For The Poor.
The charity partners with suppliers to stretch the purchasing power of your monetary donations, so lifesaving resources can reach even more precious children.
“Despite our efficient, effective and impactful work funded by a solid number of generous and loyal donors, we still remain strangers to a large part of this country’s population,” said Angel Aloma, Food For The Poor’s Executive Director. “I am confident that this exciting initiative in the medium of television will introduce our work to a larger audience and gain us a plethora of new friends with a heart for serving those who live in extreme poverty.”
Based on viewers’ unique life experiences, everyone will be moved differently by the personal stories. Some will identify with the young mother who is unable to provide for the two children God gave her – who escapes from her painful reality of parasites and her children’s cries of hunger by praying to God. Others will identify more with the siblings’ struggles to provide food and as little as $1 - $2 by scouring dangerous garbage dumps in Guatemala for materials to be recycled, repurposed or eaten.
Through their suffering they pray for refuge in God’s love and comfort.
The program includes donor testimonials to inspire and remind viewers that every gift, regardless of size and value will help Food For The Poor provide food, medicine, shelter and access to safe drinking water to the poorest of the poor.
Learn how you can become an Angel Of The Poor.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Palm Beach Philanthropists Support Food For The Poor’s Fine Wines & Hidden Treasures gala
Food For The Poor’s eighth annual Palm Beach gala, Fine Wines & Hidden Treasures will be held Sunday, January 30, 2011, at The Breakers, Palm Beach. The annual event is chaired by distinguished Palm Beach philanthropists Robert G. and Arlette Gordon (Grand Honorary Chairpersons), Elizabeth Bowden (Gala Chairwoman), and Paul Marino (Event Chairman).
With a passion for both culinary achievement and charitable giving, Grand Honorary Chairpersons Robert and Arlette Gordon and Gala Chairwoman Elizabeth Bowden, invite you to become involved in this philanthropic cause and transform lives of poverty and suffering into ones filled with hope and thanksgiving. Proceeds will be used to build desperately needed homes for destitute families in developing countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
Food For The Poor’s gala will begin with a superb wine tasting reception with selected wines compliments of Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., and Republic National Distributing Company. Throughout the reception, unique wine selections, jewelry and exotic escapes are among the varied silent and live auction prizes. Specially selected fine wines will be chosen to enhance each course and to highlight the executive chefs and restaurants of The Breakers. Additionally, Broadway-inspired performances by La Mystique are certain to enthrall guests.
Patrick Park and Nathalie Fernandez have graciously committed to be the charity’s platinum benefactors. Silver benefactors include Elizabeth Bowden, Florence DeGeorge, Robert and Arlette Gordon, and Howard and Michele Kessler. Gala benefactors include Helen Bernstein, Stanley and Helene Karp, Henry Fong and Mary Virginia Knight, Anneliese Langner, Hermé de Wyman Miro – The International Society of Palm Beach, and Ari Rifkin.
Ray Mou, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami (Taiwan), has been named the gala’s Grand Benefactor. Joint initiatives between Taiwan ICDF and Food For The Poor include feeding the destitute, and the in-country production of food through agriculture, farm-raised fish and livestock breeding – self-sustainable initiatives that teach people how to earn a living.
Gala sponsors to include American Nicaraguan Foundation, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., Russ Reid Company, Republic National Distributing Company, and TerraGroup.
Master of ceremonies for Fine Wines & Hidden Treasures is CBS WPEC Channel 12’s weeknight anchor Curt Fonger. Fonger is an avid philanthropist, who has supported Food For The Poor’s mission for many years. Immediately following the Jan. 12 earthquake Fonger reached out to Food For The Poor to ask how he and the Palm Beach community could help the people of Haiti.
For additional information regarding the Fine Wines & Hidden Treasures event, benefactor levels, and tickets, available at $450 per person, please call 1-888-404-4248 or visit www.foodforthepoor.org/palmbeach.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. We provide emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.
For more information, please visit www.foodforthepoor.org.
With a passion for both culinary achievement and charitable giving, Grand Honorary Chairpersons Robert and Arlette Gordon and Gala Chairwoman Elizabeth Bowden, invite you to become involved in this philanthropic cause and transform lives of poverty and suffering into ones filled with hope and thanksgiving. Proceeds will be used to build desperately needed homes for destitute families in developing countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.Food For The Poor’s gala will begin with a superb wine tasting reception with selected wines compliments of Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., and Republic National Distributing Company. Throughout the reception, unique wine selections, jewelry and exotic escapes are among the varied silent and live auction prizes. Specially selected fine wines will be chosen to enhance each course and to highlight the executive chefs and restaurants of The Breakers. Additionally, Broadway-inspired performances by La Mystique are certain to enthrall guests.
Patrick Park and Nathalie Fernandez have graciously committed to be the charity’s platinum benefactors. Silver benefactors include Elizabeth Bowden, Florence DeGeorge, Robert and Arlette Gordon, and Howard and Michele Kessler. Gala benefactors include Helen Bernstein, Stanley and Helene Karp, Henry Fong and Mary Virginia Knight, Anneliese Langner, Hermé de Wyman Miro – The International Society of Palm Beach, and Ari Rifkin.
Ray Mou, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami (Taiwan), has been named the gala’s Grand Benefactor. Joint initiatives between Taiwan ICDF and Food For The Poor include feeding the destitute, and the in-country production of food through agriculture, farm-raised fish and livestock breeding – self-sustainable initiatives that teach people how to earn a living.
Gala sponsors to include American Nicaraguan Foundation, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., Russ Reid Company, Republic National Distributing Company, and TerraGroup.
Master of ceremonies for Fine Wines & Hidden Treasures is CBS WPEC Channel 12’s weeknight anchor Curt Fonger. Fonger is an avid philanthropist, who has supported Food For The Poor’s mission for many years. Immediately following the Jan. 12 earthquake Fonger reached out to Food For The Poor to ask how he and the Palm Beach community could help the people of Haiti.
For additional information regarding the Fine Wines & Hidden Treasures event, benefactor levels, and tickets, available at $450 per person, please call 1-888-404-4248 or visit www.foodforthepoor.org/palmbeach.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. We provide emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.
For more information, please visit www.foodforthepoor.org.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Carnival-Themed Fundraiser Helps to Build a Home in Trinidad
When most people think of Trinidad, located at the southern end of the Caribbean chain of islands, images of people draped in exotic colored costumes parading down the street to pulsating rhythms often comes to mind. Trinidad is also a country peppered with mountains and tranquil beaches. But like many of the other islands in the West Indies, the gap between rich and poor can be wide.
South Florida teen Shannon Weisz is no stranger to the island; her mother, Blanche, was born there and Shannon has traveled there many times. But it was something the 17-year-old saw in August that prompted her to action.
“I’ve been traveling to Trinidad since I was 8 years old,” said Weisz. “But when I went to my cousin’s wedding this last trip, I had some down time, so I ventured out. I saw the condition of the houses some of the people were living in. I love the people of Trinidad and Tobago and I was compelled to do something because everyone deserves to have a decent roof over their head.”
While in Trinidad, Weisz volunteered with Living Water Community, a Catholic Lay Ecclesial Community in Port of Spain. It was there through a chain of events that she learned about Food For The Poor and the charity’s home building projects. Food For The Poor has been serving in Trinidad for 19 years and has built homes there since 2005.
When Weisz returned to her Boca Raton residence, she met with her parents and shared her idea for a fundraiser with her older sister and two younger brothers. Since carnival has become synonymous with Trinidad, which was brought to the island by French settlers in the late 18th century, it was no surprise the spunky Cardinal Gibbons High School Senior decided on a carnival theme for her Nov. 13 fundraiser at Bayview Park located in Fort Lauderdale.
Weisz says about 300 people attended the game-filled fundraiser and 30 volunteers helped her to raise money to build a house in Trinidad. The teen presented Food For The Poor’s President/CEO Robin Mahfood with a check at the charity’s headquarters in Coconut Creek.
“We are blessed and humbled by the philanthropic spirit of many of our young people today. Food For The Poor provides a number of services to millions throughout the Caribbean. Some islands need more help than others, but in the end sustainable housing for as many people as possible is a top priority. Shannon’s donation will soon provide a home for a family in Trinidad,” said Mahfood.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
South Florida teen Shannon Weisz is no stranger to the island; her mother, Blanche, was born there and Shannon has traveled there many times. But it was something the 17-year-old saw in August that prompted her to action. “I’ve been traveling to Trinidad since I was 8 years old,” said Weisz. “But when I went to my cousin’s wedding this last trip, I had some down time, so I ventured out. I saw the condition of the houses some of the people were living in. I love the people of Trinidad and Tobago and I was compelled to do something because everyone deserves to have a decent roof over their head.”
While in Trinidad, Weisz volunteered with Living Water Community, a Catholic Lay Ecclesial Community in Port of Spain. It was there through a chain of events that she learned about Food For The Poor and the charity’s home building projects. Food For The Poor has been serving in Trinidad for 19 years and has built homes there since 2005.
When Weisz returned to her Boca Raton residence, she met with her parents and shared her idea for a fundraiser with her older sister and two younger brothers. Since carnival has become synonymous with Trinidad, which was brought to the island by French settlers in the late 18th century, it was no surprise the spunky Cardinal Gibbons High School Senior decided on a carnival theme for her Nov. 13 fundraiser at Bayview Park located in Fort Lauderdale.
Weisz says about 300 people attended the game-filled fundraiser and 30 volunteers helped her to raise money to build a house in Trinidad. The teen presented Food For The Poor’s President/CEO Robin Mahfood with a check at the charity’s headquarters in Coconut Creek.
“We are blessed and humbled by the philanthropic spirit of many of our young people today. Food For The Poor provides a number of services to millions throughout the Caribbean. Some islands need more help than others, but in the end sustainable housing for as many people as possible is a top priority. Shannon’s donation will soon provide a home for a family in Trinidad,” said Mahfood.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Cholera Deaths Double in Aftermath of Hurricane Tomas
Haitian and international health officials acknowledged today the cholera epidemic continues to grow at an alarming rate, and is now “a matter of national security.” Food For The Poor has shipped and airlifted containers of critically needed supplies such as desperately sought-after medicines, hygiene kits, fluids to rehydrate patients, and blankets. Rains and severe flooding associated with Hurricane Tomas facilitated the spread of the quick-killing disease.With thousands infected, the situation continues to act as a reminder of the importance of access to clean water and to moving earthquake survivors into permanent housing. Food For The Poor remains committed to investing in sanitation and water projects throughout the country. Since the earthquake, Food For The Poor has shipped more than 1,250 containers of aid and has built more than 1,500 permanent, concrete block two-room homes with sanitation units.
Three weeks after cholera was confirmed in the Caribbean nation, the waterborne sickness has claimed at least 643 lives, mostly in the countryside, according to Associated Press reports from Haiti. The AP reported that approximately 10,000 people are infected and have been hospitalized for cholera throughout Haiti with symptoms including serious diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Consensus is that the deaths usually come from the extreme shock brought on by dehydration.
“Due to the lack of sanitary conditions for more than a million displaced earthquake survivors the threat of an epidemic has been a real possibility for months,” said Robin Mahfood, Food For The Poor President/CEO. “The painful reality is that death has become all too common for the people of Haiti. We have heard from the clinics that mothers continue to rock their sick children in their arms in hopes of keeping their babies’ hearts beating.”
“There are so many people who are suffering in Haiti. Their anguish truly hurts my heart,” said Mahfood, whose agency’s 24-year tenure in Haiti has aided the nonprofit’s quick response.
“Many [in Haiti] try to live without knowing really where to go,” said Rev. Duken Augustin, who partners with Food For The Poor in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. “However, as we visited the victims yesterday, I was reminded how much the people count on Food For The Poor. A lady who lost her small business in the waters told me with tears, ‘My situation has never been so difficult. I don’t know what I am going to do to feed my five children, but seeing you here today is comforting. I know that I am not alone.’”
“This is the kind of support that we are trying to bring, especially now that everything seems to go against the country,” said Augustin. “We know that we are not alone. Thank God and many blessings to all of you.”
Access to clean water is a matter of life and death for the people of Haiti. In Haiti, there are a lot of misconceptions about how cholera is spread. The people are afraid now about food and water supplies.
Food For The Poor has moved quickly to ship and install 30 solar-powered filtration units in Haiti’s affected Artibonite region since the cholera outbreak. Water Missions International, in partnership with Food For The Poor, has helped to install the water filtration units. The filtration systems each can treat up to 10,000 gallons of water per day and reduce waterborne diseases by removing suspended pathogens.
A Food For The Poor-Haiti employee recently spoke to a woman near one of the water filtration units in Petit Reviere, in Haiti’s affected Artibonite region. She had recently lost several friends to the cholera outbreak and was desperately trying to keep her family safe. She told the officer, “If it was not for Food For The Poor, I would be dead by now.”
"The epidemic of cholera, a highly contagious disease, is no longer a simple emergency, it's now a matter of national security,” said the director of Haiti’s health ministry, Gabriel Thimote, at a press conference on Nov. 9.
Right now, Food For The Poor is in a race against time to collect much-needed supplies: evaporated and condensed milk, canned mackerel, canned corn beef, canned chicken, sardines, Spam, and Vienna sausages with an expiration date six months or longer; Powerade, Gatorade, and Pedialyte; hygiene kits: with soap, toothpaste, feminine personal-care items, and diapers. Food For The Poor will not accept clothing, shoes, or water; we obtain trailer loads of these items from donors.
To learn how to help, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/emergency or make a $10 donation by texting “HAITI” to 25383.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
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