2,000 Families & 5,000 Kids

This morning I witnessed a line of our neighbors that extended around a city block in East Denver. Last week, 2,000 families and more than 5,000 children signed up with Volunteers of America to receive a bag of food to get them through this holiday week. They lined up before 8:00am this morning to pick up the much needed food. VOA volunteers served coffee and hot chocolate outside as folks waited in the bitter cold. The line didn't end. And neither did the innocent faces of countless kids who were surprised to find "Santa" inside and thousands of presents waiting just for them. For many, these gifts are the first "new" item they've ever claimed as their own.

VOA has organized this enormously vital effort for over 12 years. FBR has been honored to be given the opportunity to provide the food, Safeway donates hams for each family and a generous group of Realtors donates gifts for the kids. Working together for those who don't have the resources to do so is a beautiful thing.

Rapids Bowl for Charity

When The Colorado Rapids moved into our Denver FBR neighborhood, we were excited about the possibility of partnering with them in the fight against hunger. We didn't realize just how involved they would be willing to become! As you saw in a recent post, the team participated in our Tyson Chicken Lift Up America event at Dick's Sporting Goods Park and then again more recently in the Rapids Bowl for Charity fundraiser.


On November 11th, the entire Rapids team and over 100 guests gathered at Splitz Bowling Center in Westminster for a night of food, drink, prizes, socializing and some serious bowling. FBR brought a couple of teams to join in the festivities and accepted a check for $1500 as a result of the fundraiser.










Rapids Goalkeeper, Bouna Coundoul, said, "It was a great evening filled with pizza, laughter and fun. It also felt good knowing that we were raising money for hungry families this holiday season."


Heartfelt THANKS to The Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation, all the players and those who made the night possible.

It Takes a Village

Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Folks all over our city are uniting to provide food to those who can't afford a typical turkey & stuffing meal. Working at FBR provides a pretty cool opportunity to see firsthand the donations that are coming in.

Last week we welcomed a truck full of onions from Sakata Farms in Brighton into our warehouse. That 47,000 pound load of onions went a long way! This morning we watched as 4,600 pies and cakes from Village Inn were unloaded and stacked high. These mouth watering circles of goodness will be an added bonus to thousands of families who can't afford the basics, let alone extras like pie.

All the boxes in the background contain frozen pies from Village Inn!

It definitely takes a village to feed the hundreds of thousands of people served through our partner agencies. THANK YOU to the generous donors, volunteers and advocates of Food Bank of the Rockies. We couldn't fight hunger without you!

Friday Night with Will

Shaking hands with and accepting a check from Will Smith. Can't ask for much more on a random November Friday night. Will was in town this past weekend for the red carpet premier of his new movie "Seven Pounds." When we got the call that Will and Sony Pictures wanted to incorporate FBR into the evening by donating a check for turkeys as well as food from fans attending the premier, we didn't hesitate to gratefully accept.

FBR staff was on hand to get a sneak peak of Mr. Smith shaking hands with our own Kevin Seggelke and handing him a life sized check, which will purchase over 300 turkeys for our partner agencies. 981 pounds of donated food was loaded into our truck that night as well, making this one Friday night to remember.

Denver Broncos Champ Bailey and Brandon Marshall joined the festivities and gifted Will with his own Broncos jersey.

Special special thanks to Will, Sony Pictures and all those involved with making this Thanksgiving that much better for so many of our neighbors in need. Everyone...go see Seven Pounds on December 19th!

Our Annual Media Frenzy

What do you get when you mix local media personalities, shopping carts, a 3 minute shopping frenzy & fierce competitive drives? You get the 16th Annual Shop O Rama at Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. To kick-off the 2008 "Check Out Hunger" program, an easy way for people to donate to children’s programs through Food Bank of the Rockies' Nutrition Network. At local Natural Grocer locations, shoppers can add $1 or $5 coupons to their grocery bill November 1st through December 31st. Natural Grocers will match all customer donations up to $50,000. It's one of our favorite events and yesterday was proof why we look forward to this day each and every year!

The line up...CW2's Tom Green, Channel 4's Jim Benemann & Karen Leigh, FOX 31's Melissa Mollet & husband Jake, Denver Magazine's Katie Shapiro & Adria Marin and Natural Grocers owners Kemper & Heather Isely. Teams took off with their carts to load up with food as close to the total of $169.11 as possible (without going over!). Some teams carried calculators to keep track as they went and others threw in product and hoped for the best. You can guess which tactic brought about the winning total:)

Never before have we had totals like we did in yesterday's fierce shopping battle. Every team went over the total.....Channel 4 set a record for the highest total over the allotted amount! And yes, that includes the items Mr. Benemann is conveniently hiding behind his back in the photo below. Their spunk made up for their 5th place score!

Tom Green paired up with Heather Isely, but even the Vitamin Cottage expert wasn't enough to claim him as the 2008 winner. Note the spunk referred to above in the shot below.

The ladies from Denver Magazine couldn't have been closer to gaining bragging rights! They took 2nd place by a mere 15 cents. That's the closest runner up to date for this event.

Melissa stood by nervously awaiting the final results....

After a few dedicated years of determination, our friend Melissa Mollet brought home the title and shopping cart trophy for FOX 31. They were $2.29 over the total. She and Jake couldn't have been more proud. HUGE THANKS to Natural Grocers and all our media participants for another fantastic Shop O Rama! We'll look forward to next year's festivities!

Zeke

Zeke decided in his early years that he wasn't wanting for anything, so why not give back to those who are? Rather than stockpile the latest toys for his birthday party, he asked all his friends to donate food or money to FBR. That they did. Zeke, who's currently growing his hair out to donate to Locks of Love, toured our warehouse and shared some words of wisdom.

"What can people do if they don't have enough money to pay for food? They're suffering. It feels good to know that when people support FBR and agencies, it's like saving someones life who's starving. When you help, you're saving lives, so why not do it?" A little heart sure can go a long way.

Souper Way to Fight Hunger

As part of the nationwide NFL “Click for Cans” Promotion, Campbell's Chunky Soup donated 1,000 cans of soup to FBR and left it to our creative discretion how to distribute it. We wanted to do something fun & interesting with this gigantic donation and knew that getting kids involved was the clear choice.

The number of people in need is rising, given our economic situation. Approximately half of those served through FBR's hunger relief partner agencies are children. Many of these kids don’t know where their next meal will come from. A whole lot of Chunky Soup can definitely assist with this problem!

Here's what we did....the soup was delivered to the kids at The Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club where they divided into 3 teams and spent the evening creating football related structures. Not an easy task we were told...lots of cans tumbling to the ground! The next day, Denver Broncos staff, including former Bronco, Billy Thompson, volunteered their time to judge the festivities and Bronco related prizes were awarded to the kids. The "Invescan" Field (clever) won top ratings, although all three were fabulous and very creatively crafted. FBR brought Gatorade & spicy Cheetos for the kids to chow on following the festivities. The soup will be used for the kids at the club!

Thanks to Campbell's Chunky Soup, the Denver Broncos & The Broncos Boys & Girls Club for partnering on a fun event!

Hunger Relief...One Chicken at a Time

What recently brought together FBR & Kroenke Sports staff, Colorado Rapids players, over 30 hunger relief organizations & a slew of dedicated volunteers? Chicken. A whole bunch of chicken.


For the past 4 years Lift Up America has partnered with Tyson Foods Inc. & Kroenke Sports to help bring the gift of food to the less fortunate in Metro Denver. This donation of 15 tons of chicken is definitely one that FBR & select partner agencies get excited about!



This is how it works....a Tyson truck arrives at a Kroenke stadium, loaded with endless pallets of chicken. Representatives from Lift Up America, the Mayor's office, FBR, Tyson Chicken & Kroenke Sports speak about the importance of what's happening that day. By that point, hunger relief agencies have lined up their trucks in the parking lot, waiting to be filled with much needed chicken. For the next few hours FBR staff, athletes & volunteers load the chicken in each waiting truck. The agencies drive away and serve that chicken to neighbors in need. It's a whirlwind of a day...a really good whirlwind.





This year's event went off without a hitch on October 21st at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Colorado Rapids players and mascot were on hand to assist the efforts. Thanks to everyone involved in making this another awesome year!

Savannah

Hot was an understatement. But temperatures pushing 100 didn’t stop folks from coming out to the Produce and Health Fair in Northglenn this summer. Before the fair opened at 9:00 a.m., the line was already reaching beyond the block and around the corner. People were waiting for healthy food – food they could not otherwise afford. Volunteers scurried to ready the pallets of bananas, carrots, plums, bread and yogurt provided by FBR. Gardeners had also donated some lettuce and tomatoes. As people reached the food, we asked them their stories. Let me introduce Savannah.

This young woman was expecting her first child any day. “I just registered for food stamps,“ she says, “and that’s how I found out about this fair. There’s some good information here on nutrition and fruits and veggies. I’m also going to get the car seat checked for safety before the baby comes.” After the baby arrives Savannah plans to take six weeks off -unpaid. “My boyfriend works too, but without my income, we can’t cover the bills. My mom was just laid off from a tech company, so she's not able to help us. She's struggling herself. Without programs like this one, we'd have more credit card debt or worse, we just wouldn't eat every day. This baby needs nutrition. I wouldn't be able to provide that for him or her.”

Mixing Murder & Fighting Hunger

Flashback to Sakic Celebrity Classic

2008 proved to be another outstanding year for the Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic. This year's sold out tournament drew Avalanche players, coaches & executives, Susie Wargin, Marc Moser, Jake Schroeder and many other generous supporters of FBR. Golfers enjoyed a gourmet breakfast before hitting the links. After the conclusion of a picture perfect day on the course, dinner & an award presentation wrapped up the day.

This video has been "in the works" for some time now. Our apologies for those who have been on the edge of their seats awaiting its arrival. Special thanks to Joe & Debbie, RE/MAX & Sanctuary & all our sponsors for your constant dedication and support of our fight against hunger.

Goblins and Ghouls Have a Bloody Good Time Volunteering at Food Bank of the Rockies!

On Friday, September 26, twelve terrifying characters from area haunted houses descended on Food Bank of the Rockies to kick off the opening of their venues and promote a community food drive benefiting FBR.
A green-eyed psychiatric patient, a grandpa not-so-fresh from the crypt, a scarecrow that would actually scare you, a few bloody beauties and several other horrific figures teamed up to pack 960 pounds of community food boxes. It was both heartwarming and spine tingling to see these monstrous volunteers in action. If visitors dare to enter one of these frightening venues, they can save $1 off admission and lessen the fear of hunger by donating non-perishable goods at the door. More information on participating houses can be found at hauntedratings.com.

Ulysses

Uly knows firsthand what it's like to be without. He graciously tells the story of what brought him to serve on FBR's Board of Directors in the video below. Check it out.

Joe & Debbie Sakic Bring Hope to the Table

Fighting hunger is certainly not an easy task, but with the help from people like Joe and Debbie Sakic, our mission is made possible. On Friday, August 22nd, Joe & Debbie hosted their 11th annual event benefiting FBR. This year's event took on a fresh look and feel. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, followed by a three course seated dinner and entertainment by the one and only Josh Blue, winner of Last Comic Standing. A live and silent auction topped off the evening and guests went home with smiles on their faces.

Special thanks to all our sponsors....RBC Wealth Management, 9NEWS and emcee Susie Wargin, emcee Mark Moser, Denver Magazine, The FAN and all others who made this night possible. It was a remarkable success!

What Do Ben Affleck & Senator Dick Durbin Have in Common?

Excitement levels were high around FBR last week. And for good reason. Our parent organization, Feeding America, worked with the powers that be at the Democratic National Convention in organizing an event hosted by FBR that ended up drawing celebrities, politicians and over 70 members of national and local media. The main draw...Mr. Ben Affleck. Not the only draw however! We were also graced with the presence of Vicki Escarra, President of Feeding America, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Jim McGovern and actors Justin Bartha, Alicia Witt and Ben Younger.

Feeding America and FBR staff set up a competition between the celebs and the politicians to see who could complete the highest number of food boxes in an allotted amount of time. The celebs prevailed...it's up in the air whether or not it was legal for one of the celebs to dump an entire tray of canned goods in each box, but who's counting. Vicki, Senator Durbin & Ben Affleck spoke of the importance of fighting hunger for our hungry neighbors, the media took countless pictures and videos and we called it a day! A very exciting, action packed day to boot.

Arely, Isabel & Githzell

The students at Smith Elementary & Whittier Elementary in Denver don't live in an upscale area of town. Many of them find themselves wondering where their next meal will come from. When these kids were asked to choose a charitable cause to focus their efforts on, they read books, researched and decided to focus their energy on the issue of hunger. The kids set up a food and fund drive, wrote letters asking for sponsors to pledge an amount for each can collected, and collected the cans and the money. Food Bank of the Rockies was chosen to receive the food collected and the money pledged was sent to Heifer International to buy animals for villagers that produce a sustainable food source. FBR sent a truck to each school where the students grinned ear to ear while loading their donations into barrels in the truck. Arely, Isabel and Githzell had a lot to say about why it's important to help those who are hungry.

Take Us Out to the Ball Game

There's no better way to spend a 95 degree Denver day than a seat in the rock pile at Coors Field, a ball park hot dog, and camaraderie with co-workers. On July 22nd, Food Bank of the Rockies employees and their families were treated to an afternoon ball game to thank them for their dedication in the fight against hunger. It was a nice change of pace for a Tuesday afternoon. Special thanks to our fearless leader for a day of good eats, good company and good baseball!

Dolerez, Naomi & Max

Dolerez came to the United States 26 years ago in hopes of providing a better life for her 5 children. And that she did. One child is currently in law school and one is in the midst of obtaining a degree in social work. Between her 5 children, Dolorez has 8 grandchildren who spend time with her while their parents work and go to school. She volunteers weekly at a local food pantry and offers transportation to neighbors in need. Dolorez understands what it's like to rely on others for daily needs. She too uses the local food pantry in order to feed herself and her family. "I can't afford fresh vegetables and fruits, so I'm so grateful to get them through my weekly food box. Says granddaughter Naomi as her brother Max runs around carrying a loaf of bread , "If somebody falls down, we need to pick them up."

Partying with 5280 Provides 3,472 Meals

From left: 5280's Jena Platt & Remy Spreeuw & FBR's Kevin Seggelke & Kristina Cordova

For 15 years, 5280 Magazine has been an outlet for everything and anything Denverites could and should know about our Mile High City. Where to dine...where to shop...local talent...local people of interest...hot topics...pressing issues etc. Recently, they've taken on the issue of hunger as one near to their hearts.

On June 26, friends of the magazine joined for their annual "Top of the Town" party at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. FBR was invited to participate as a beneficiary of their raffle, which raised over $860. Those little raffle tickets produced nearly 3,500 meals through FBR! Not bad for a night of chic ambiance, delectable bites, lovely company and live entertainment that made it impossible to resist getting your groove on.

Jim White with Volunteers of America join FBR's Kim Ruotsala and Gwen Vogelzang on the dance floor.

Freddi-Henchi Band's innovative and contagious vocal and dance talents had the crowd captured.

Our deepest gratitude to 5280 for joining forces in the fight against hunger...a daily reality for so many of our Denver neighbors.

A Visit From Senator Salazar

FBR was honored to host a press conference with Senator Salazar and representatives from the Colorado Food Bank Assocation on Monday morning. The Senator spoke about the importance of the Farm Bill and spoke very highly of the work done through FBR and our sister food banks in Colorado. Kevin Seggelke, FBR's CEO, joined Senator Salazar in packing a Commodities Supplemental Food Program food box to highlight the value of the food that is distributed to our neighbors in need through this government feeding program.

It was our pleasure to host Senator Salazar and his staff. Our deepest appreciation for his work in supporting our efforts of fighting hunger and feeding hope.