3 Sisters

World hunger is a global problem and one usually associated with Third World countries. But what happens when you receive an email that asks you to seek out and share the stories of people in your community that are struggling with hunger? You start out on a journey that leads you to the most unexpected place – a story to share with others about your own family’s struggle with hunger.

Go back one year to find out that your cousin’s husband lost his job. Your mind automatically goes to the most visible issues – losing the house, losing the car, losing the identity and dignity of being the breadwinner of the family. Never once, from the outsider’s perspective, does the mind go to the issue of how to support a family of 5 on nothing. Without such places as Food Bank of the Rockies, or the Douglas County Task Force, I’m not sure what my cousin would have done.
My cousin graciously allowed me to share her story with an amazing degree of candor and humor. Even in the face of adversity, a simple afternoon at the park brings forth her children’s innocence and sheer happiness.

Photographer: Katie Lienert (Top photo is the winner of the amateur category for the Faces of Hunger Photo Contest).

Faces of Hunger Photo Exhibit

When we partnered with Denver Magazine, FOX 31 and The Deuce for our Faces of Hunger Photo Contest, we anticipated a hand-full of photographs depicting hunger in Colorado. We hoped the contest would bring to light an issue many of our neighbors don't associate with on a local level. We did not anticipate the huge success this campaign was and continues to be.

The gallery event took place on September 2nd at Fat Tail Gallery and turned out to be an amazing evening for raising awareness regarding the issue of hunger in Colorado. 23 submitted photos were enlarged, courtesy of Fineline Graphics, and displayed on a huge white wall for guests to view as they entered the gallery. Many of the photographers and their friends and family were able to join us and see their work displayed. Katie Lienert and Joe Morahan were voted winners for the amateur and professional categories and are featured in the September issue of Denver Magazine (http://www.denvermagazine.com/). Special thanks to all our event sponsors for making the night a huge success....Denver Magazine, Fat Tail Gallery, FOX 31, Sir Chocolate, Mortons The Steakhouse, Barefoot Wines, Vitamin Water, Fromage to Yours and Fineline Graphics.

Sir Chocolate was a very popular table for our guests.

Michael & Wendy Ledwitz & FOX's Shaul Turner spoke about their involvement with the campaign.

A sampling of the photographers who submitted photos for the contest.

Denver Mag, FOX 31, Fat Tail and FBR joined together in making the evening a huge success!

Morton's donated fabulous food for our guests.

Fat Tail also donated their outstanding space for the event.

Wine & water were served, courtesy of Barefoot Wines & Vitamin Water.

The photo contest is complete, but the efforts of our partners continue. Denver Magazine continues to partner with us through other promotions and event support and FOX 31 remains a steady force in the fight against hunger. Due to their continuous coverage of FBR, our food and fund drives have more than doubled, compared to this time last year. The community heard the call to action and responded in force! What can we say...THANK YOU for everyone who contributed to the Faces of Hunger Campaign! Stay tuned to FOX 31 for ongoing coverage of faces of hunger in our community.

$5000 for Colorado Kids

The Ahbe Group and Safeco Insurance recently stopped by to present a check for $5000 for FBR's children's programs. Greg Ahbe of The Ahbe Group had nominated Food Bank of the Rockies for a grant through Safeco’s Agent Giving Program and we were fortunate enough to be chosen as a recipient for that grant program.

“Safeco supports Food Bank of the Rockies’ mission of fighting hunger, especially in this difficult time for so many families in our area,” said Greg Ahbe. “This grant to Food Bank of the Rockies is another way Safeco and The Ahbe Group work to support this community”.

For the last eight years, Greg Ahbe of The Ahbe Group has been on the advisory board of our Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic events. “Safeco is proud to provide this grant to the Food Bank of the Rockies and help their efforts to fight hunger,” said Claudette Kenmir, Safeco Insurance.

THANKS to The Ahbe Group and Safeco for this much needed gift! It was a pleasure hosting you and accepting your generous donation.