There are children in need all around us, and every dollar and every donation makes a difference. Food For Thought Outreach helps these children year round and recently held their 3rd Annual Art of Giving benefit to raise money for the cause. Food For Thought Outreach is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL that provides backpacks filled with healthy, easy to prepare food for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals. It is astounding how much this organization has grown in such a short time! As the outreach has grown, so have their events and fundraisers. There was an outpouring of support from the local community at the Art of Giving.
Lala Galleries in 30Avenue provided the perfect venue for a night of art and charity. In addition to the generosity of supporters, three amazing local South Walton artists, Velia Lala, Matt Lyons, and Marisol Gullo, came together to auction off their pieces to help fight child hunger in Okaloosa and Walton counties. They donated 45 unique pieces of art for auction with 100% of proceeds going straight to Food For Though Outreach. Over $20,000 of monetary donations were collected with another $20,000 going toward a new van the nonprofit needs to transport food palettes from local stores back to the two warehouses. In addition to the bidders, local businesses contributed in a big way! This year’s sponsors included Beachy Beach 30A, Taylor Allen Properties, QTile, and Porath and Associates. McNeese Distributing, Grayton Beer Company, and Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi provided food and drink for the guests while guitarist Chris Alvarado entertained guests and even collaborated on an art piece with Lala.
Founder and Director of Food For Thought, Tiffanie Nelson was thrilled with the support saying, “Within the next two weeks, this money will be collected, food items will be purchased, packed, and delivered to over 15 schools in Okaloosa and Walton counties.” Each artist felt moved by the organization’s mission in some form and were eager to get involved and to give back. Money raised by this benefit will help kick off the 2015-16 school year and truly make a difference in these children’s lives. This year’s funds will help Food For Thought Outreach provide over 4,000 backpacks filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food items, including peanut butter and jelly, a loaf of bread, protein sources, fresh fruits, and several healthy snacks to students receiving free and reduced lunches during the school week. This will bring the three-year total for the Art of Giving to $165,000 collected to continue fighting child hunger in the local community.
To learn more about what you can do to help or to become a volunteer please visit www.fftfl.org.
