Day Without Hunger & Night to End Hunger Launch New Era for Loaves & Fishes

June 27th, 2014 Community, Hunger Facts, Programs, Stories of Hope, Volunteer News

DSC 0102 1
DSC 0108
DSC 0146
DSC 0148
DSC 0169
DSC 0202
DSC 0204 1
DSC 0206
DSC 0208
DSC 0214
DSC 0217
DSC 0219
DSC 01121
DSC 01451
DSC 01572
DSC 01891
DSC 01951
DSC 02092
DSC 02131
DSC 02161
lori 4
lori
Naperville township 11 1
photo1
rooftop BBQ1

It was a perfect day, surprisingly, for Friday the 13th, which created the perfect setting for Loaves & Fishes’ Day Without Hunger celebration. Day Without Hunger, which began 7 years ago as a 24-hour event, is an opportunity for community members to learn about food insecurity and Loaves & Fishes’ innovative service model that seeks to solve this issue. Each year, the event has seen greater success as demonstrated by the number of guests as well as business partners and sponsors. We were honored to collaborate with so many businesses and individuals to make this year’s event possible.

This year’s event was particularly memorable because it kicked off Loaves & Fishes 30th year anniversary and brought out some big announcements about our future:

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry is now Loaves & Fishes Community Services, and to launch this new era, we have announced our $6 million Power of Community Campaign! It is our first public fundraising campaign ever, and we are excited to see our community of supporters grow as we seek expansion opportunities.

nm end hunger 1 1
nm end hunger 7
nm end hunger 8
nm end hunger 9
nm end hunger 12
nm end hunger 13
nm end hunger 16
nm end hunger 19
nm end hunger 22
nm end hunger 24
nm end hunger 25
nm end hunger 28
nm end hunger 31 1
nm end hunger 32
nm end hunger 34
nm end hunger 35
nm end hunger 36
nm end hunger 39
nm end hunger 41
nm end hunger 45
nm end hunger 47
nm end hunger 48
nm end hunger 49
nm end hunger 51
nm end hunger 53
nm end hunger 57
nm end hunger 58
nm end hunger 59
nm end hunger 60
nm end hunger 62
nm end hunger 63
nm end hunger 65
nm end hunger 66
nm end hunger 70
nm end hunger 71
nm end hunger 75
nm end hunger 77
nm end hunger 78
nm end hunger 79
nm end hunger 83
nm end hunger 87
nm end hunger 88
nm end hunger 90
nm end hunger 95
nm end hunger 97
nm end hunger 100
nm end hunger 102
nm end hunger 105

Photo Credit: Robyn Sheldon, Naperville Magazine

Two weeks after these big announcements, Loaves & Fishes celebrated Night to End Hunger at Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn. Thanks to the incredible support of our guests, we raised $267,650 that night, which raises our Power of Community campaign total to $3,558,283, representing 59% of our $6 million goal!

Whether soaking up break taking views, feasting on fine organic dining or enjoying live music, guest engagement was the catalyst for the success of Night to End Hunger, chaired by Celeste Wagner, Loaves & Fishes board member. Individuals and local businesses donated items including lavish getaway packages, appetizing dinner pairings and even activities for thrill-seekers, such as a fighter jet ride and fleet car experience that were featured in a live auction and choice raffle. After these items were purchased and won, auctioneer Bart Darfler rallied donations through a “Raise the Paddle” special appeal, which alone raised $63,250.

We can’t wait to see what the rest of our 30th year anniversary brings!