Quarterly Newsletter | February 2021 |
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FAST FACTS:
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Backpack Bulletin — the quarterly newsletter from the Louisville Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack! This email will keep YOU in touch with the impactful work we're doing in the Louisville community to feed kids who might otherwise go hungry.
This school year, the Louisville Chapter is feeding 5,000 kids, but many more need our help. Let's keep growing and continue to prevent childhood hunger in our community!
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WARRIOR FOR KIDS:
Congratulations to Doris Heran Taylor, the nutrition services manager at Engelhard Elementary School! On Giving Tuesday our national office randomly selected Doris as the winning #WarriorforKids on Instagram Live. She received a $1,000 Amazon gift card, made possible by the Spartan Kids Foundation. Helen Hall will receive a Vera Bradley prize package for nominating Doris.
Helen shared, "Doris is the energizer bunny in human form. She never misses a day of work and is a strong team leader and a team player… the glass is always 'half-full' in her world, which drives her positive attitude. Doris has not let the pandemic stop her for one second to feed the children who depend on nutritious meals from her kitchen. Doris knows the students and families who come see her and always has a warm smile."
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WHAT'S AHEAD:
Enjoy a live cooking demonstration from Food Network and Cooking Channel celebrity chef, Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson, from the comfort and safety of your own home. Darnell will entertain you with his culinary skills as he creates a world-class dinner that will be delivered to your doorstep.
Tickets for this event will include the gourmet meal prepared by Darnell Ferguson* and other gifts to help you create a unique dining experience.
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*Meal delivery and pick-up options are available in Louisville only. |
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In the wake of the Buffalo Bills victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Divisional Round on Jan. 16, Bills fans rallied around injured Ravens QB and Blessings in a Backpack supporter Lamar Jackson. What started as a tweet quickly snowballed into an avalanche of love and support for Blessings in a Backpack and the children we serve, in Jackson's honor.
Donors from across the country stepped up to feed kids with Blessings in a Backpack, not only in their own communities but also here in Louisville. Over 5,500 donors designated their support to provide hunger-free weekends for kids in Louisville, resulting in more than $140,000 for the Louisville Chapter!
This story of incredible sportsmanship was covered by ESPN, The Bleacher Report, NPR, Yahoo Sports, USA Today, Good Morning America, CBS News This Morning, and People, to name a few.
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“It has been great to see these football fans from opposing teams join the same team to help our nonprofit,” said Erin Kerr, national CEO of Blessings in a Backpack. “We cannot thank these fans enough. It’s truly helping so many kids across the U.S., and they are the real winners from this initiative."
We cannot be more thankful for the support of the Bills fans a.k.a. Bills Mafia! We would be remiss if we did not thank Louisville's very own Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, for his support of Blessings in a Backpack and shining a light on the work we do.
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Volunteer Spotlight:
Kim Shaughnessy, library media clerk at Fern Creek Elementary School
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"Kim is one of the people that I would call the heart and soul of our school. During this pandemic, where many people have chosen to work from home, she has volunteered to come to the school and work as a 'Warrior for Kids.' She has volunteered to hand out technology, supplies, backpacks, club materials, and most importantly, Blessings in a Backpack to the students of Fern Creek Elementary. |
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This pandemic has hit everyone hard in the community. As a Title I school, we see a lot of families who have lost employment, transportation, homes, childcare, and other support systems. Knowing that there is a smiling face at the school, who tells them to have a "Tiger-riffic" day when they are here to pick up these items makes their days a little brighter." |
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The Calipari Foundation donates $75,000 to Blessings in...
When the COVID-19 put a halt to the sports season in 2020, University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari found an impactful way to keep busy and give back to those in need. "Coffee with Cal" raised support for Blessings in a Backpack...
Read more
louisville.blessingsinaback...
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Louisville woman honored as a Warrior For Kids
"Warrior for Kids" recognizes people who have helped provide meals and brought joy to kids during uncertain times. Regina Jackson-Willis was nominated. She is the family resource coordinator at Engelhard Elementary School.
Read more
www.wlky.com
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Interested in becoming an event sponsor or corporate donor?
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Reflects giving from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 |
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$25,000 and Up
The Amgen Foundation
Brown and Caldwell
Clark Family Foundation, Inc.
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$15,000 – $24,999
BKD Foundation
Fred B. and Opal S. Woosley Foundation
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$5,000 – $9,999
Anonymous
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
August Brown Holland
Kueber Family Foundation
Lamkin Wealth Management LLC
Mattingly Ford Title Services LLC
Nationwide Services, LLC
Talaris Therapeutics, Inc.
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$2,500 – $4,999
Anonymous
Tim Bryant
Carrie A. Byrne
Glick Companies, LLC
Hertzman Foundation, Inc.
HKL, LLC
Millcraft
Random Acts, Inc.
S Rays, Inc.
Target Circle
Toadvine Enterprises
Zoeller Company Employee Giving
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