Streams of Hope director Barb Nauta and client Michele Childs share their experience with the Food Bank. /Raymond D. Kopen
WZZM 13's Catherine Behrendt served as mistress of ceremonies. /Raymond D. Kopen
On June 9, one charity luncheon turned into nearly a quarter million meals for local people in need. Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank’s Many Hands Against Hunger summer luncheon raised $59,000 to support the organization’s food distribution efforts in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Hosted by WZZM 13’s Catherine Behrendt, Many Hands Against Hunger highlighted the efforts of four community partners: food donor Kellogg Company, financial supporters Tom and Megan Nelis, hunger-relief agency Love INC of Newaygo County and longtime volunteer Carole Griffith. The event was held at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining in Grand Rapids and drew nearly 300 guests.
The program closed with the personal testimony of Michele Childs, a client of Feeding America West Michigan’s agency Streams of Hope. By providing nutritious food from the Food Bank along with mentoring and exercise classes, Streams of Hope helped Childs recover her health and self-confidence following bariatric surgery.
Those who weren’t able to attend the event but want to support the organization’s mission can give online at FeedingAmericaWestMichigan.org.
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