Despite the pandemic’s economic slowdown, this year’s Food For The Hungry campaign broke a record, raising $352,148 and 15.3 truckloads of food to help Knox County’s needy.
“Oh, Knox County, how I wish you could see yourself through my eyes — filled with tears right now!” said Lisa Mazzari, executive director of FFTH. “Your generosity and compassion never fails.”
The landmark fundraising level exceeded expectations, initially targeted for $240,000 this year. Last year, the drive raised $251,377. In a press release, Marketing Director Katelynn Mabe said the drive saw an early turnout of donations.
“Because of this generosity, we were able to give close to $30,000 in COVID-19 relief grants,” she said in the release. “Now, through the consistency of giving, we are able to give more grants to combat whatever trials may come in 2021.”
The 39th annual fundraiser benefits the local Salvation Army, Interchurch Social Services and other grant applicants on a county-wide basis. The organization says its resources remain in Knox County to benefit its residents.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a FFTH partner organization, presented its Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award to two former and one current Mount Vernon News employees: Corby Wise, Joshua Morrison and Josh Worster. The trio received recognition for past and current support of the drive’s marketing, fundraising and photography, the release said.
Schools and other locations were key touchpoints for donated items, with elementary schools (aided by Psi lota Xi Sorority) together contributing $14,110 and more than 8,000 donated food items. Donations made through area high schools totaled $7,997 and 2,100 food items.
The schools compete to raise the most funds, recognized by traveling plaques. This year’s recipients are the Knox County Career Center in the Central Knox competition and Fredericktown High School for Greater Knox County.
A number of other participants deserve credit for pushing FFTH to its highest goal this year, including the Snowflake Gala at Kenyon College, which contributed $155,000. This includes a $50,000 dollar-for-dollar match courtesy of Ariel Corp. and Karen Buchwald Wright.
Here is a list of notable contributors and events: MVNU, $3,692 and 69 food items; the Battle of the Coffee Shops, $3,452 and 168 food items; the Knox County Career Center Online Silent Auction of Christmas-themed gift baskets, $2,978; the Knox County Park District Fire and Ice event, $1,267 and one truckload of food; and the Turkey Trot with WeRun MV, $1,536 and 449 food items.
“You are truly the epitome of our slogan, ‘Working together to care for our neighbors,’” Mazzari said. “I am humbled and honored to be a part of Food For The Hungry, and beyond blessed to call Knox County my home.”
For a full list of thank yous, visit foodforthehungrycares.org.
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