February News from SSKP

Latest News - February 2023

Dear friend,

January 2023 saw an increase in attendance at Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries programs. When reviewing data, I stopped in my tracks and rechecked the figures because the increase was so pronounced. January 2023 saw an increase in need of 29% from January 2022!

Why?

This is a great question, and the answer is multi-faceted and complex. Each guest of SSKP has their own unique needs. For some inflation has taken a toll while others may be dealing with sudden changes/added expenses (medical bill, flat tire, a day off work to take care of a sick child).

Our mission to share food and fellowship does not necessitate an assessment of why there is a need. We respond to our guests by sharing food and fellowship to the best of our ability.

SSKP Pantries shared over 150,000 pounds of food with our neighbors in January, and SSKP Meal Sites shared 1,700 meals in our community. This is done side-by-side with our dedicated volunteers at sites graciously opened for use by communities of faith in our area. We are on this journey together, striving to ensure that all who visit our programs are greeted with Food and Fellowship.

With gratitude,

Amy

Join Us! SSKP Annual Meeting on Feb. 13th

Please join us for our Virtual SSKP Annual Meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Join at 6:45 pm to visit with others. The meeting will begin at 7pm for an hour of sharing and updates about all we accomplished together during 2022.

Please email Patty Ward in the SSKP Office to RSVP and receive the link for the gathering.

Gowrie Challenge Raises Record-Breaking $300,000 for SSKP

The 2022 Gowrie Group Challenge was a record-breaking success! Together, through the generous support of nearly 500 individuals, companies, and our Partner Sponsors, this year's challenge raised $300,000 to benefit SSKP.

Amy Hollis, SSKP Executive Director said, "Inspired and grateful is how I feel when I try to process the generosity from Carter Gowrie, Gowrie Group, Risk Strategies, Partner Sponsors, and the community. Each act of kindness and support is transformative in ensuring access to food for our neighbors in need. Thank you!"

Gowrie Group, now a part of Risk Strategies, began this annual Challenge in 2004 to benefit the SSKP. Over the 19-year history of the Gowrie Challenge, they have raised over $2,600,000 for SSKP, which equates to providing nearly 11 million meals to people in need in our community.

Carter Gowrie, Gowrie Group Founder, shared, “I am very excited to announce that the Gowrie Challenge raised $300,000 for the SSKP. A special thank you to all that donated, our Partner Sponsors, and media sponsors. The SSKP continues to work tirelessly to fight hunger along the shoreline despite rising costs of groceries.”

The Gowrie Group once again doubled their support with a matching gift of $60,000, of which $30,000 was a personal pledge from Carter Gowrie. Six local companies stepped forward as Partner Sponsors: LC Doane, Tower Labs, Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale, Sound Rigging, BrandTech Scientific, and Essex Financial. The Partner Sponsors all increased their donations over past years. Together, Gowrie and the Partner Sponsors donated over $130,000 in matching funds to double the impact of all other donations, dollar-for-dollar, to help our neighbors. The Gowrie Challenge was fortunate to also receive significant donations from the Rotary Club of Clinton, the Rotary Club of Essex, CHUBB, Essex Community Fund, George Schmitt & Company, Liberty Bank Foundation, Lee Company, Essex Garden Club and the Risk Strategies Foundation.

Stephen Brinkmann, BrandTech Scientific President & CEO, shared, “Congratulations to the entire team who helped the 2022 Gowrie SSKP Challenge again exceed its goals! BrandTech Scientific is so proud to be part of this effort year after year. We have a formula where our employees contributions are internally matched, and then our company matches those combined dollars. In this way each dollar contributed by our team members become four to benefit SSKP. Our team is so thrilled to support this vital resource for our community.”

Volunteer Needs

Do you want to become a volunteer?

Right now we are in need of the following:

Several SSKP Meal Sites need a Coordinator. Responsibilities include maintaining a schedule of meal teams and submitting requests for food and supplies.

The SSKP Old Lyme Pantry needs volunteers on Saturday mornings from 8 to 11. This requires physical work and being outdoors.

The SSKP Westbrook Pantry needs volunteers on Tuesdays from 11am - 2pm. This requires physical work and being outdoors.

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please email Jeff Ward at: jward@shorelinesoupkitchens.org.

If you want to volunteer, but are not available for the openings above, you can email Jeff to be added to our volunteer wait list.

Thank you!

CFMC Supports SSKP with Grant

SSKP has received a generous $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) with funding provided by the River View Cemetery Fund, the Ivoryton Congregational Church Human Services Fund, and the St. Luke’s Home Fund. This grant will purchase fresh and non-perishable food to be shared with those in need on the shoreline through our food pantries in Clinton, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.

"SSKP is so grateful for this generous support through the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. This donation helps assure that all our neighbors will have access to the food their family needs," said Amy Hollis, Executive Director of SSKP.

The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County, and to help Good People Do Great Things. The mission of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County is to improve the quality of life for the people of Middlesex County now and in the future by developing endowments, making grants that have impact, and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives. Their interests are your interests, including animal welfare, arts and culture, health and social services, education, history, the environment, civic improvements, recreation, and economic security and opportunity. They welcome conversations with good people who want to do great things. For more information, contact CFMC at 860.347.0025 or by email at info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org.

Vote for SSKP at Essex Savings Bank

Please help SSKP receive a grant from Essex Savings Bank's "Community Investment Program" to support our mission.

Everyone who banks with Essex Savings Bank can vote for participating non-profits, either online or at a bank branch.

The voting ends Feb. 28th, so please vote for SSKP!