Judge Sara Smolenski of the 63rd District Court will deliver the keynote at Many Hands Against Hunger on June 10. /Raymond D. Kopen
On June 10, Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank is hosting a fundraising luncheon to support hunger relief in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
The event, called Many Hands Against Hunger, features an encore appearance from Judge Sara Smolenski as keynote speaker. This year, she’ll be joined by nine-year-old Owen Ronning, one of the Food Bank’s strongest advocates.
Last summer, Owen had an unusual birthday request: Instead of an Xbox game or a new bike, he asked for a Mobile Food Pantry. With his parent’s encouragement, he went door to door until he had collected enough money to give 5,000 pounds of fresh produce and other goods to families in need in his hometown of Hudsonville.
“We think it’s going to be a powerful moment,” said Food Bank CEO Ken Estelle. “He’s a living example of something we say all the time in food banking, that everybody has something to offer, whether it’s time, money, or passion. In Owen’s case, he’s given all three.”
In 2013, Feeding America West Michigan distributed more food than in any previous year: 25.6 million pounds, or approximately 20 million meals.
“In spite of all the positive economic signs, the need is growing,” Estelle said.
As the recent debate over Michigan’s minimum wage illustrates, thousands of Michiganders have gone back to work but aren’t making enough to get by. That means private organizations like Feeding America West Michigan continue to play a pivotal role in making sure that the 1.7 million people who struggle with hunger in the state can get enough to eat.
“As long as there’s a need for our services, we’ll be there to help,” Estelle said. “And we couldn’t do that without the financial support of people in the community.”
To reserve your seat at the luncheon and join Feeding America West Michigan in the fight against hunger, visit FeedingAmericaWestMichigan.org/Luncheon. The cost is $25 per person. Registration closes at noon on June 6.
Many Hands Against Hunger is being underwritten by Meijer with support from Metro Health Hospital and Star Truck Rentals.
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