We did it! As a member of Bread for the City's Capital Campaign Committee, I am delighted to tell you that Bread for the City has surpassed our goal of $8.25 million for our Northwest Center expansion, raising $8.35 million in total.

This great news comes just as construction on the new facility is completed, more than doubling the size of our Northwest Center. And as of this week, we are open for service!

It was no small feat to raise this much money in the midst of the greatest recession in my lifetime. And I am especially proud of my role, not just as a member of the Capital Campaign Committee -- but also as a Bread for the City patient.

I came here a decade ago, a while after I'd lost my longtime job. Bread for the City helped me put food on my table, provided me with some of the best health care I've ever received, and even gave me the resources and inspiration I needed to get back into the job market and eventually find a new job. Since my new job lacks health insurance, I stayed on with Bread for the City as a patient -- and eventually I became a member of the Board of Directors.

My proudest accomplishment as a board member is spearheading the development of a dental clinic in the new facility. Dental care is badly underserved in D.C.; I know, because I am in need of these services myself. Initially, Bread for the City expected to be able to open this dental practice three to five years after our expansion -- but given how much support we received from the community, we now have the opportunity to hire a dentist even within this year. We are so grateful.

You can help us expand even faster than we'd hoped. There's one week left of our Capital Campaign -- one week in which donations of more than $500 will be recognized by the inclusion of your name on the Honor Wall in our new lobby. Of course, gifts of any size make a real difference, and give you a great feeling of being a part of something special -- I know, because I'm a donor myself.So please join me by making a gift today.

Together, we'll ensure that Bread for the City can expand its services to thousands more people in the community -- people like me.

On behalf of the entire Bread for the City community, thank you -- and Happy Holidays.

Sincerely,
Dorothy Hawkins
Member, Bread for the City Board of Directors

P.S. You can make a donation in honor of a friend or loved one, and Bread for the City will send a special note of thanks to them on Christmas Day. It will make a great holiday gift! Please give today.