Going Paperless.... - Food Bank of the Rockies
Going Paperless.... - Food Bank of the Rockies
Going Paperless.... - Food Bank of the Rockies
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NOURISHING News<br />
Spring 2009<br />
G. Vogelzang<br />
FBR wants to get at <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> hunger by introducing those on <strong>the</strong> frontlines in Colorado. No sugar coating. Just real people. Real faces. And a<br />
very real problem happening in our own backyard. Visit www.frontlines<strong>of</strong>hunger.blogspot.com to meet more individuals who benefit from your time<br />
& support.<br />
Brandy is being raised by a single mom. Daycare costs more than <strong>the</strong>ir income, so her mom had to quit her job.<br />
They sold <strong>the</strong>ir car due to <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> fuel and maintenance, which means <strong>the</strong>y walk where <strong>the</strong>y need to go. Luckily,<br />
a local food pantry is close to home. That’s where we met Brandy and her mo<strong>the</strong>r. They’re just grateful to have <strong>the</strong><br />
means to get nutritious food. Without <strong>the</strong> pantry close to home <strong>the</strong>y wouldn’t have anywhere convenient to go and<br />
mom says <strong>the</strong>y wouldn’t have enough food to get <strong>the</strong>m through <strong>the</strong> week. When we visited with <strong>the</strong> director <strong>of</strong> this<br />
pantry, she explained that funding is lacking and <strong>the</strong> pantry was in jeopardy <strong>of</strong> closing. For Brandy’s sake, we hope that<br />
doesn’t happen.<br />
<strong>Going</strong> <strong>Paperless</strong>....<br />
We received very positive feedback from going paperless with our Annual Report again last year, so we’re following suit this<br />
year! The 2008 Annual Report can now be found electronically at www.foodbankrockies.org. Check it out!
fill <strong>the</strong>ir carts with items bringing <strong>the</strong>m closest to<br />
<strong>the</strong> total <strong>of</strong> $169.11. After many years <strong>of</strong> taking<br />
YOU are making a DIFFERENCE<br />
A Message From: Kevin Seggelke<br />
President & CEO<br />
When Feeding America released 2005 Hunger in America study results, <strong>the</strong> world was different.<br />
Hurricane Katrina and <strong>the</strong> Iraq War dominated <strong>the</strong> headlines, but <strong>the</strong> economy was healthier than it is<br />
today. Regardless, many people struggled with hunger. Even in better times, we learned much from this<br />
national study.<br />
As we begin local research for Hunger in America 2009, headlines paint a darker picture.<br />
Unemployment is <strong>the</strong> highest it’s been since <strong>the</strong> 1970’s. The housing market is saturated with<br />
foreclosures and short sales. <strong>Bank</strong>s are in trouble. Businesses are strained. Stocks are shrinking. As we<br />
venture out to interview clients at soup kitchens, shelters and pantries throughout our service area, we can’t help but wonder what we will<br />
learn from this new study. Who are <strong>the</strong> faces <strong>of</strong> hunger in our community? What stories will <strong>the</strong>y tell?<br />
The stories we’re hearing are heart wrenching. One pantry we visited in South Denver gets <strong>the</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> its food from <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Rockies</strong>. A quiet woman in her early forties worked for 9 years at <strong>the</strong> same company. College educated and hard-working, she never<br />
thought she’d find herself at a food pantry. She’s typically <strong>the</strong> one donating to places like this. But now, she’s living on unemployment and<br />
dwindling savings. As money runs out and no job is found, this food pantry gets her through <strong>the</strong> month.<br />
We also talk to many parents. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> questions are extremely difficult for <strong>the</strong>m to answer. “My children were not eating because I just<br />
couldn’t afford enough food.” We mark “Often True” on <strong>the</strong> questionnaire as many parents shake <strong>the</strong>ir heads, affirming <strong>the</strong> fact and holding<br />
back tears. It’s hard to believe, right here in our community, children go to bed hungry at night and parents skip meals so <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children can eat.<br />
It breaks our hearts to hear <strong>the</strong>se stories, but it affirms <strong>the</strong> reason we come to work and <strong>the</strong> reason our donors donate food, funds and time.<br />
A hot meal for a child after school, a tote filled with healthy food to help a senior through <strong>the</strong> month, a truckload <strong>of</strong> nutritious food taken to a<br />
shelter to feed battered women and children with no place else to go. Because <strong>of</strong> your donations, we are able to distribute food, so<br />
desperately needed, to hundreds <strong>of</strong> worthy agencies. The results <strong>of</strong> Hunger in America 2009 will be released this Fall. Times are tough for<br />
many people and we greatly appreciate <strong>the</strong> support we receive. Your donations are truly making a difference. We’ve seen <strong>the</strong> faces <strong>of</strong> so<br />
many o<strong>the</strong>rs who would thank you if <strong>the</strong>y could. Toge<strong>the</strong>r we are fighting hunger and feeding hope – thank you!<br />
O<br />
S H O P R A M A & C H E C K<br />
For <strong>the</strong> 17th year, media teams ga<strong>the</strong>red to<br />
fight hunger through a competitive shopping<br />
frenzy. Teams from FOX 31, Channel 4, CW2, &<br />
Denver Magazine raced through <strong>the</strong> aisles <strong>of</strong><br />
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage trying to<br />
a close second, Melissa Mollet proudly brought<br />
home <strong>the</strong> coveted shopping cart award!<br />
This fun filled event kicks <strong>of</strong>f Natural Grocer’s<br />
G. Vogelzang<br />
Check Out Hunger Promotion, an easy way<br />
for people to donate to children’s programs<br />
through <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong>’ Nutrition<br />
Network. At local Natural Grocer locations,
shoppers were able to add $1 or $5 coupons to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
chldren in our service area! Speical thanks to all our<br />
Glimpses from Hunger Study 2009<br />
Donna & Frank<br />
Debra<br />
For <strong>the</strong> past 7 years, Debra worked as a Development<br />
Director for a local non-pr<strong>of</strong>it. She used her masters degree to<br />
raise money to help assist those less fortunate. Debra owns her<br />
own home, has always kept up with bills and had enough to<br />
spare from month to month.<br />
Last year, Donna and Frank earned over $100,000. This<br />
more than took care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir living expenses and allowed<br />
for a very comfortable lifestyle. Frank works as a private<br />
contractor and hadn’t had problems making a living in<br />
<strong>the</strong> past. Until recently. Work is hard to come by, which<br />
has resulted in an average monthly income <strong>of</strong> $2,000.<br />
$24,000 annually isn’t cutting it. Especially since <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
daughter, son-in-law and <strong>the</strong>ir two children have moved<br />
in due to <strong>the</strong>ir own financial struggles.<br />
When we sat down to interview Donna, she looked us in<br />
<strong>the</strong> eye and told us <strong>the</strong>y do not typically accept hand<br />
outs. They want to make it on <strong>the</strong>ir own hard work and<br />
determination, but when it comes to feeding her grandchildren,<br />
she won’t let pride get in <strong>the</strong> way. This was her<br />
first visit to a food pantry and unfortunately, it doesn’t look<br />
like it will be her last.<br />
In November <strong>of</strong> 2008, this all changed. Debra was laid <strong>of</strong>f and<br />
hasn’t been able to find employment. We interviewed her at<br />
a local church pantry, where she has been receiving monthly<br />
food boxes. “Never did I imagine needing to reach out for a<br />
basic necessity like food. I’ve always been one to volunteer at<br />
places like this. But getting food boxes enables me to pay bills<br />
and stay afloat.” In addition to picking up a food box for herself,<br />
she also delivered one to her elderly neighbor who had recently<br />
been hospitalized and was coming home to an empty pantry.<br />
“We need to help each o<strong>the</strong>r out when times are difficult.”<br />
Out H U N G E R<br />
grocery bill, November 1st - December 31st. Natural<br />
Grocers matches all customer donations!<br />
Throughout <strong>the</strong>ir years <strong>of</strong> involvement, Natural<br />
Grocers has raised more than $175,000! Their<br />
generosity equates to over 700,000 meals for<br />
celebrity shoppers, Natural Grocers and all <strong>the</strong>ir loyal<br />
customers for doing your part to fight hunger & feed<br />
hope!
Toasting Barbara Arko...<br />
After 18 years <strong>of</strong> dedicated service to <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong>, Barbara Arko, Vice President <strong>of</strong><br />
Development, has retired. Barbara came to FBR after<br />
a long career in development for <strong>the</strong> arts – her o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
love. She was responsible for overseeing all<br />
fundraising activities, board member recruitment and<br />
annual, capital and endowment campaigns. She also<br />
served as FBR’s interim CEO in 2002. Barbara wore<br />
many hats for <strong>the</strong> organization and did a remarkable<br />
job in each position she held.<br />
Barbara Arko laughs as she is reminded <strong>of</strong> many fond memories during her years at<br />
<strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong>.<br />
Staff and supporters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong> will<br />
forever be grateful for <strong>the</strong> compassion and<br />
commitment Barbara has demonstrated in helping<br />
those in need. We have grown from distributing just<br />
over 8 million pounds when Barbara joined FBR to<br />
nearly 25 million this past year. Barbara played a large<br />
role in <strong>the</strong> growth experienced by this organization.<br />
The Perfect Sanctuary. The Finest Cuisine.<br />
Hungry for More?<br />
Join Joe & Debbie Sakic, <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong> & 5280 Magazine for an<br />
unforgettable day <strong>of</strong> golf & an elegant evening <strong>of</strong> entertainment & fine dining.<br />
Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic<br />
Sanctuary Golf Course - August 27, 2009<br />
Joe & Debbie Sakic Bringing Hope to <strong>the</strong><br />
Table Celebration<br />
Inverness Hotel - August 28, 2009<br />
Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic Presented<br />
by RE/MAX International. All net<br />
proceeds benefit <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Rockies</strong>’ Children’s Programs.<br />
Reserve your event package by calling 303.375.5838 or visit <strong>the</strong> Events Page at<br />
www.foodbankrockies.org.
..18 Years <strong>of</strong> Dedicated Service.<br />
In early January, peers, partners and family ga<strong>the</strong>red<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r to send Barbara <strong>of</strong>f in style at a retirement party<br />
honoring her dedication. The pinnacle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> evening<br />
occurred when Board Chair, Richard Treich, unveiled <strong>the</strong><br />
new name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Development wing <strong>of</strong> FBR’s <strong>of</strong>fice: The<br />
“Barbara Arko Development Center.”<br />
Here’s to you Barbara. You will be missed!<br />
Barbara’s family<br />
celebrated her years<br />
<strong>of</strong> service at <strong>the</strong><br />
retirement party.<br />
Board members Seth<br />
Patterson & Neil Duggan<br />
join Barbara at her<br />
retirement party.<br />
A plaque commemorating Barbara’s 18 years <strong>of</strong> service<br />
can be found in <strong>the</strong> Development wing at FBR’s <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />
Denver Magazine’s<br />
Faces <strong>of</strong> Hunger Photo Contest<br />
Nearly 600,000 people in Colorado live with <strong>the</strong> reality <strong>of</strong> hunger.<br />
FBR’s blog, www.frontlines<strong>of</strong>hunger.blogspot.com, pr<strong>of</strong>iles just a few faces and stories <strong>of</strong> our hungry neighbors. There are so<br />
many more faces and stories that deserve to be seen and told. FBR has partnered with Denver Magazine in hosting a<br />
photography contest from April - June, 2009. The goal <strong>of</strong> this contest is to give photography lovers in our community <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to pr<strong>of</strong>ile more faces <strong>of</strong> hunger and to learn, first-hand, <strong>the</strong> reality <strong>of</strong> a problem taking place in our own backyard.<br />
Calling All Photographers...amateur and pr<strong>of</strong>essional... Photographers are encouraged to use <strong>the</strong>ir artistic<br />
abilities to pr<strong>of</strong>ile an individual or family struggling with hunger in Colorado and submit <strong>the</strong>ir photos & application for judging. The<br />
top entries will be featured during a gallery exhibit event in September, 2009 and <strong>the</strong> top one or two entries under both amateur<br />
and pr<strong>of</strong>essional categories will be featured in an upcoming issue <strong>of</strong> Denver Magazine. Top entries will also receive exclusive<br />
prize packages. In addition, top entries will be featured on FBR’s Front Lines <strong>of</strong> Hunger Blog and will receive subscriptions to<br />
Denver Magazine. The full application will soon be found at www.denvermagazine.com or www.foodbankrockies.org!<br />
We’re excited about <strong>the</strong> opportunity to work with Denver Magazine and our community in giving <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> hunger a face!
10 th Annual<br />
to <strong>the</strong><br />
MIX 100 CHARITY MARATHON<br />
Through 10 years <strong>of</strong> dedication, Mix 100’s Dom & Jane<br />
have raised a total <strong>of</strong> $1,721,970 to fight hunger!<br />
For <strong>the</strong> past 10 years, right before Thanksgiving, MIX 100’s Dom & Jane stay on <strong>the</strong> radio 24 hours<br />
over a two day period to raise money for <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong>. Their amazing dedication<br />
to fighting hunger for our neighbors in need has turned this event into one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
fundraisers for FBR. Over <strong>the</strong> past 10 years, “The Dom & Jane Show” cast members, Dom<br />
Testa and Jane London, have raised enough money to provide 6,887,880 meals for<br />
food-insecure individuals in our service area!<br />
Throughout <strong>the</strong> 2 days <strong>of</strong> Charity Marathon, Dom and Jane invite select FBR donors to visit <strong>the</strong><br />
studio and share <strong>the</strong>ir contributions to FBR with <strong>the</strong> listening audience. Stories <strong>of</strong> clients who<br />
utilize FBR’s service are shared throughout <strong>the</strong> programming and countless listeners call in to<br />
donate toward helping FBR continue <strong>the</strong> fight against hunger. The Marathon wraps up with a<br />
live remote where Dom and Jane listeners and FBR donors can hand deliver donations.<br />
We can’t imagine what we would do without <strong>the</strong> dedication <strong>of</strong> Dom and Jane and <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
Mix 100 team!<br />
Endless thanks for 10 years <strong>of</strong> partnership and millions and millions <strong>of</strong> meals provided!<br />
Photo captions from top to bottom: Whiting Petroleum staff visit Dom & Jane at <strong>the</strong> studio to share <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
contributions: Dom, Jane, Jeremy & Tizzy close out <strong>the</strong> Marathon at <strong>the</strong> Live Remote at a local<br />
Safeway; Hea<strong>the</strong>r Isely <strong>of</strong> Natural Grocers visits <strong>the</strong> studio: Mayor Hickenlooper spends time with Dom & Jane
The Perfect Sanctuary. The Finest Cui-<br />
Kian...a Kid Who Cares<br />
Kian, 14, is truly a kid who cares. When Kian first volunteered at FBR with his school,<br />
he enjoyed it so much, he convinced his mom to let him come help <strong>the</strong> food bank<br />
on a permanent basis. He even promised to complete his homework each afternoon<br />
before volunteering. We know when Kian arrives on Tuesday evenings because he<br />
lights up <strong>the</strong> warehouse with his big smile and <strong>the</strong> constant skip in his step. He’s always<br />
ready and willing to help agencies fill <strong>the</strong>ir orders and any o<strong>the</strong>r task asked <strong>of</strong> him.<br />
9NEWS agreed with us when we nominated him for <strong>the</strong>ir 9 Kids Who Care awards and<br />
chose him as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir winners for 2009.<br />
Kian at <strong>the</strong> 9NEWS Award Luncheon<br />
Congratulations Kian – we’re thrilled that you’ve won this award and grateful for your service to FBR!<br />
Panera Bread Shares <strong>the</strong> Warmth<br />
Panera Bread has delicious new breakfast items to introduce to <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> Metro Denver.<br />
They decided it would be a great idea to give away samples <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se items along with a free<br />
cup <strong>of</strong> c<strong>of</strong>fee on January 28. In return, <strong>the</strong>y suggested customers donate $1 to FBR and also<br />
generously matched customer donations to $250 per bakery-café. This wonderful act <strong>of</strong> sharing<br />
resulted in $3,864.92 – 15,460 meals for those less fortunate. Thanks Panera Bread for<br />
helping us fight hunger and feed hope!<br />
A Day <strong>of</strong> Service - 2009 Marade<br />
This past winter, President and Michelle Obama asked Americans across<br />
<strong>the</strong> country to rise to <strong>the</strong>ir challenge and commit to a day <strong>of</strong> service in<br />
honor <strong>of</strong> Dr. Martin Lu<strong>the</strong>r King Jr. Denver’s Commission for our city’s<br />
nationally recognized “Marade” chose to take part in this day <strong>of</strong> service by<br />
including <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong> in <strong>the</strong> day’s festivities. FBR staff worked<br />
with volunteers from Capitol Hill for Change, collecting soup, stew, chili and<br />
much needed funds to feed our neighbors in need this winter. We<br />
collected 1,133 pounds <strong>of</strong> food and over $900 and also had 54 volunteers<br />
working at our warehouse, packing food boxes and sorting donated items.<br />
Heartfelt thanks to <strong>the</strong> Marade commission and everyone who<br />
participated in this day <strong>of</strong> service!<br />
Volunteers working at FBR’s warehouse<br />
One Can Make a Difference<br />
Mark Rogers, a Geologist with Forest Oil in Denver, felt fortunate during <strong>the</strong> oil boom a few<br />
months back and wanted to give back to his community. He chose <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Rockies</strong> because we provide one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most basic necessities – food. Mark challenged<br />
his fellow colleagues to help and was instrumental in raising needed funds and promoting<br />
awareness for FBR. Even as <strong>the</strong> oil boom has s<strong>of</strong>tened, Mark continues to work with us,<br />
organizing 16 Oil, Gas & Energy companies to join him on a committee to help FBR fight<br />
hunger. Mark is an excellent example <strong>of</strong> what one person can do to help people in need.<br />
Thank you Mark! We appreciate your efforts and look forward to working with <strong>the</strong><br />
committee in <strong>the</strong> future! We’ll keep our supporters posted on <strong>the</strong> happenings <strong>of</strong> this group<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir involvement with FBR!
calendar<br />
<strong>of</strong><br />
Through June 30<br />
Pinnacle & Snap Dragon Wine Promotion<br />
Apirl 1st - June 15<br />
Denver Magazine’s Faces <strong>of</strong> Hunger Photo Contest<br />
Apirl 25th<br />
Maggiano’s Wine & Dinner Event<br />
Downtown Denver Maggiano’s location<br />
August 27<br />
Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic - Sanctuary<br />
August 28<br />
Joe & Debbie Sakic Bringing Hope to <strong>the</strong><br />
Table Celebration - Inverness<br />
October 16<br />
<strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong> Celebrity Server Night,<br />
Presented by Maggiano’s<br />
Downtown Denver Maggiano’s<br />
For more details on <strong>the</strong> events listed above,<br />
visit www.foodbankrockies.org and click<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Events Page.<br />
Mile High Ice Bowl 2009<br />
Disc golf players from around Colorado and <strong>the</strong> country come toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
on <strong>the</strong> first weekend <strong>of</strong> February each year to help raise money for those<br />
in need. This past February, <strong>the</strong> Mile High Disc Golf Club <strong>of</strong> Colorado held<br />
its annual fundraising event, benefiting FBR & o<strong>the</strong>r local charities. The club<br />
raised over $5,400 for FBR! Over <strong>the</strong> past 5 years, <strong>the</strong> club has raised a total<br />
<strong>of</strong> $19,696, providing 78,784 meals to our neighbors in need!<br />
Special thanks to this amazing group <strong>of</strong> disc golfers for including FBR in your<br />
annual fun!<br />
Leaving a Legacy<br />
One hundred years from now no one will remember what house you lived in, what car you drove, maybe not even<br />
what you did for a living. What will be remembered is <strong>the</strong> legacy YOU left for generations to come.<br />
Help us Fight Hunger & Feed Hope for future generations. Please remember <strong>Food</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rockies</strong> in your will!<br />
NONPROFIT ORG.<br />
U.S. POSTAGE PAID<br />
DENVER, CO<br />
PERMIT NO. 3730<br />
10700 E 45th Ave.<br />
Denver, CO 80239<br />
A Member <strong>of</strong><br />
FBR’s mission is to end hunger by efficiently procuring & distributing food & essentials<br />
to people in need through our partner agencies in Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Colorado & Wyoming.