Today is September 24. I’m four days away of completing the quest of wearing orange every working day of September. I have had several folks ask me why I established my “orange challenge.” To restate, Orange is the color representing food insecurity. Our logo, No kids Hungry, The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and Feeding America all have orange as an integral color. As I told a group at the Greater Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber golf tournament, any opportunity I get to bring attention to the need is a success. Monetary donations help pay the bills. Money helps put food on the tables of those in need. Advocacy is equally as important. Too many people are hungry and too few people realize the need is a great as it is. I have been proud to wear orange every day this month, but I am looking forward to Monday and putting my orange up for a few months.

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Just a quick reminder my personal orange challenge was part of September is Hunger Action month. Our calendar has been filled with events such as the previously mentioned golf tournament. Last week our friends at Nabholz also hosted a golf tournament at which we were invited to have staff present to answer questions and collect donations. The city of Fayetteville hosted a city wide food drive. We had several restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds to the Food Bank. I met with the Governor for a photo with my peers from across the state and the rice producers of Arkansas. Last Saturday approximately 70 volunteers from the northwest district of the United Methodist Church had a volunteer day. These are just a few examples of ways we are working to spread the word. Thanks to everyone who helped make this year a success and consider this an invitation to make HAM 2019 even bigger and better.

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Another quick reminder is that our 10th annual Jewels of Giving Gala is just a few short weeks away. We still have sponsorships available. We have tables and individual tickets available. We have a team working on collecting great silent auction and live auction items. Entertainment, great food and a great atmosphere make for an evening where we walk that fine line of balancing the celebration of our successes while recognizing there is still lots to do.

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On the construction front, the road through our parking lot is taking shape. Conducting business is a little inconvenient, but as they say that is the price of progress.

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Finally, it has been a while since I talked about the Eikenbabies. Once again, I am a proud Pops. Stella called me Saturday to ask if she could volunteer again at the Food Bank. Absolutely!!!!

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Have a great day, and thanks for all you do to support our mission. Because of you someone will eat today.

Kent