COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2013) – Instead of giving something up this year for Lent, Food For The Poor has an opportunity for you to start a new charitable tradition. Food For The Poor’s Operation Starfish® program, inspired by author Loren Eisley’s story, “A Single Starfish,” emphasizes how we can help save one child at a time. It is a simple way for your family, church, school or organization to increase and celebrate the spirit of compassionate giving.
Operation Starfish® is designed to let families engage fully in the sacrificial spirit of Lent by giving participants both the opportunity for spiritual reflection and the chance to make daily sacrifices. The program encourages individuals to deposit 50 cents or more each day into their Operation Starfish® collection box to help the poor. At the end of Lent, when all donations are collected, combined and counted, homes for the destitute will be built.
Food For The Poor has free supplemental materials available to support Operation Starfish® activities, including special devotional calendars and children’s workbooks. Food For The Poor’s devotional calendar features a daily Gospel reading and a weekly reflection. The children’s workbook is divided into several lessons that teach children about poverty in the world, while offering activities that are fun and informative.
Those interested in starting an Operation Starfish program at their parish, school, or organization can visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/operationstarfish or call 877-654-2960 ext. 6803. Parishes nationwide also participate in Operation Starfish programs during Vacation Bible Study sessions, Christmas in July celebrations, Back to School fundraisers, and in preparation for Advent.
"Operation Starfish is a simple way to help the poor,” said Father Richard Martin, pastor at Church of the Nativity, Burke, Va. “Everyone in the church and school family can participate – young, old, active or homebound. Each individual does something – many small sacrifices come together to make a big difference in the lives of the poor. As a result, the parish family becomes closer to God and each other. We become more generous overall."
For 15 years, Fr. Martin has attributed the growth and fruitfulness of his parish to the partnership with Food For The Poor through the Operation Starfish program. Through the Operation Starfish program, Church of the Nativity parishioners have built over 1,000 houses in eight “Nativity Villages” in Haiti since 1998.
“This is hope realized; our parishioners have activated their prayers for the poor with concrete action, literally, as we provided concrete block houses for destitute families in Haiti,” said Fr. Martin
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.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Boca Grande Committee to Announce Plans for Friendship Village III
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2013) – During the week of Jan. 14-17, Hope For Haitians Chairmen Ben and Louise Scott, and eight Boca Grande Committee members, traveled with Food For The Poor to Haiti. During the three-day trip, the group attended the inauguration of the Boca Grande Friendship Village II in Michaud, and they also toured the location of the future site of Boca Grande Friendship Village III, where they received a very warm welcome.
In a prayer of thanksgiving for the visitors from Florida, one Manneville, Haiti resident said, “We thank you God, because they are people who recognize that we are people. You put it into their hearts so they can relate to the situation that we are living in, this difficult situation.”
Manneville is a small town located near Thomazeau in the community of Croix-des-Bouquets. The residents who live there are in desperate need of housing and access to clean drinking water. With a population of approximately 52,000, the community’s need can seem overwhelming, but the committee members are not intimidated.
“We can only do so much, but our goal is to help as many as we can, build houses as fast as we can, and to raise as much money as we can. There are a lot of groups like us, but not enough, so we just want to do our part with what we have,” said Scott.
“What impressed me the most was the patience, the faith, and the hope that’s still here after three years,” said George Castrucci, Boca Grande Committee Member. “It’s very sad, but very pleasing they’re hopeful, and hopefully we can do something to help them.”
Scott will address the Boca Grande Community at a reception on Feb. 21, at the historic Gasparilla Inn Beach Club, located at 445 Gilchrist Ave. in Boca Grande, Fla. He will elaborate on plans for Boca Grande Friendship Village III in Manneville, Haiti.
Boca Grande Friendship Village III will have the following:
The Boca Grande Hope for Haitians Committee has been working through Food For The Poor to build homes since 2009. The first Boca Grande Friendship Village is located in Pierre Payen, Haiti. Click here to see what some of the committee members saw while visiting the tent cities, and during the inauguration of Friendship Village II.
Committee members include: Ben and Louise Scott, the Rev. Gary Beatty, the Rev. Brian Brightly, the Rev. Jerome Carosella, the Rev. Michelle Robertshaw, George and Lois Castrucci, Patricia Chapman, Ray and Iliene Corcoran, Randy and Sue Eddy, Charlie and Florita Field, Evelyn Finnegan, Lou and Corie Fusz, Stephen and Susan Jansen, Tom and Nancy Lorden, Colvin and Madelaine McCrady, and Peter and Elsa Soderberg.
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.
In a prayer of thanksgiving for the visitors from Florida, one Manneville, Haiti resident said, “We thank you God, because they are people who recognize that we are people. You put it into their hearts so they can relate to the situation that we are living in, this difficult situation.”
Manneville is a small town located near Thomazeau in the community of Croix-des-Bouquets. The residents who live there are in desperate need of housing and access to clean drinking water. With a population of approximately 52,000, the community’s need can seem overwhelming, but the committee members are not intimidated.
“We can only do so much, but our goal is to help as many as we can, build houses as fast as we can, and to raise as much money as we can. There are a lot of groups like us, but not enough, so we just want to do our part with what we have,” said Scott.
“What impressed me the most was the patience, the faith, and the hope that’s still here after three years,” said George Castrucci, Boca Grande Committee Member. “It’s very sad, but very pleasing they’re hopeful, and hopefully we can do something to help them.”
Scott will address the Boca Grande Community at a reception on Feb. 21, at the historic Gasparilla Inn Beach Club, located at 445 Gilchrist Ave. in Boca Grande, Fla. He will elaborate on plans for Boca Grande Friendship Village III in Manneville, Haiti.
Boca Grande Friendship Village III will have the following:
- 35 two-room houses with sanitation. Each house will be built with a gutter system on the roof that will be connected to a water cistern, which will provide families with immediate access to rain water.
- 2,000 trees will be planted around the community to reforest the land and also increase fruit bearing trees.
- 100 goats will be distributed to residents in the community. The residents will be properly trained on how to care for the animals.
- 50 residents will receive agricultural tools to help them become more productive farmers.
The Boca Grande Hope for Haitians Committee has been working through Food For The Poor to build homes since 2009. The first Boca Grande Friendship Village is located in Pierre Payen, Haiti. Click here to see what some of the committee members saw while visiting the tent cities, and during the inauguration of Friendship Village II.
Committee members include: Ben and Louise Scott, the Rev. Gary Beatty, the Rev. Brian Brightly, the Rev. Jerome Carosella, the Rev. Michelle Robertshaw, George and Lois Castrucci, Patricia Chapman, Ray and Iliene Corcoran, Randy and Sue Eddy, Charlie and Florita Field, Evelyn Finnegan, Lou and Corie Fusz, Stephen and Susan Jansen, Tom and Nancy Lorden, Colvin and Madelaine McCrady, and Peter and Elsa Soderberg.
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.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Food For The Poor’s Building Hope Gala Raises Record Number of Roofs in Jamaica
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2013) – A sold-out crowd of more than 400 South Florida residents attended Food For The Poor’s 18th annual Building Hope Gala on Feb. 2 at The Polo Club of Boca Raton. Enough money was raised to build homes for 65 destitute families in Canaan Heights in May Pen, Jamaica. Construction on the homes is scheduled to begin in March.
“Each family will be moved into a home with solid walls, a metal roof, and a front door that can be locked. These homes will help keep children out of harm’s way, and provide a strong, safe haven filled with hope of a new beginning for generations to come,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor.
Additionally, the 65 two-room homes will have a cement foundation, solar panel light, and sanitation and water storage facilities. Families will receive tools and seeds to plant their personal backyard gardens, and self-sustaining animal husbandry projects will be established. In an effort to rebuild the community, repairs will be made to the local school/community center.
A video that documented several of the committee members’ December trip to Jamaica was shown to highlight the need that exists island-wide. The committee’s testimonials inspired attendees to pledge to build a record number of houses during the charity’s live house-rally.
“When you fund a home for a poor family, you are funding the chance to build a better future and an opportunity for self-sufficiency,” said Mahfood.
Award-winning reggae artist Tarrus Riley and saxophonist Dean Fraser hit the right notes at the nonprofit’s charity gala, as they called attention to the critical need for permanent housing in Jamaica. The crowd filled the dance floor as they performed the hit singles Contagious, Stay With You and She’s Royal. Jamaican saxophonist Fraser also played the instrumental version of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song.
Guests also had the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a MINI Cooper, at $50 a ticket. The winning ticket will be pulled Thursday, May 16.
For additional information regarding the drawing, please call 1-888-404-4248.
Committee members for the 2013 Building Hope Gala include Laurie Braden, Kelly Brauner, Becky Carlsson, Melissa Davimos, Ronda Ellis Ged, Ronda Gluck, Michele Greene, LaMae Klos, Robin Ranzal Knowles, Julie Mahfood, Rene Mahfood, Pamela Matsil, Cathy Moabery, Jill Perea, Tashia Rahl, Kara Seelye, Natasha Singh, Renee Stetler, Holly Strogoff, Allison Venditti, Patricia Wallace, and Traci Wilson.
Master of ceremonies Jason Martinez, co-anchor for WPLG-TV ABC Local 10 Morning News and Local 10 News at Noon, traveled to Jamaica in August to cover the island’s golden jubilee.
“I saw the poverty with my own eyes and there is much work needed to be done to provide housing and assistance to the people of Jamaica,” said Martinez.
Gala sponsors include AKA Printing and Mailing, Aljoma Lumber, American Nicaraguan Foundation, Bank United, Bluegreen Corporation, The Boca Raton Observer, Dennis Charley & Associates, Inc., Dusco Doors, Ellis, Ged, & Bodden, Franklin Dodd Communications, GA Telesis, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Miami Dolphins, Premier Aircraft Sales, Quadriga Art, LLC, Seaboard Marine, TD Bank, United Healthcare, and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care.
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.
“Each family will be moved into a home with solid walls, a metal roof, and a front door that can be locked. These homes will help keep children out of harm’s way, and provide a strong, safe haven filled with hope of a new beginning for generations to come,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor.
Additionally, the 65 two-room homes will have a cement foundation, solar panel light, and sanitation and water storage facilities. Families will receive tools and seeds to plant their personal backyard gardens, and self-sustaining animal husbandry projects will be established. In an effort to rebuild the community, repairs will be made to the local school/community center.
A video that documented several of the committee members’ December trip to Jamaica was shown to highlight the need that exists island-wide. The committee’s testimonials inspired attendees to pledge to build a record number of houses during the charity’s live house-rally.
“When you fund a home for a poor family, you are funding the chance to build a better future and an opportunity for self-sufficiency,” said Mahfood.
Award-winning reggae artist Tarrus Riley and saxophonist Dean Fraser hit the right notes at the nonprofit’s charity gala, as they called attention to the critical need for permanent housing in Jamaica. The crowd filled the dance floor as they performed the hit singles Contagious, Stay With You and She’s Royal. Jamaican saxophonist Fraser also played the instrumental version of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song.
Guests also had the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a MINI Cooper, at $50 a ticket. The winning ticket will be pulled Thursday, May 16.
For additional information regarding the drawing, please call 1-888-404-4248.
Committee members for the 2013 Building Hope Gala include Laurie Braden, Kelly Brauner, Becky Carlsson, Melissa Davimos, Ronda Ellis Ged, Ronda Gluck, Michele Greene, LaMae Klos, Robin Ranzal Knowles, Julie Mahfood, Rene Mahfood, Pamela Matsil, Cathy Moabery, Jill Perea, Tashia Rahl, Kara Seelye, Natasha Singh, Renee Stetler, Holly Strogoff, Allison Venditti, Patricia Wallace, and Traci Wilson.
Master of ceremonies Jason Martinez, co-anchor for WPLG-TV ABC Local 10 Morning News and Local 10 News at Noon, traveled to Jamaica in August to cover the island’s golden jubilee.
“I saw the poverty with my own eyes and there is much work needed to be done to provide housing and assistance to the people of Jamaica,” said Martinez.
Gala sponsors include AKA Printing and Mailing, Aljoma Lumber, American Nicaraguan Foundation, Bank United, Bluegreen Corporation, The Boca Raton Observer, Dennis Charley & Associates, Inc., Dusco Doors, Ellis, Ged, & Bodden, Franklin Dodd Communications, GA Telesis, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Miami Dolphins, Premier Aircraft Sales, Quadriga Art, LLC, Seaboard Marine, TD Bank, United Healthcare, and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care.
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.
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