Good Shepherd Food-Bank Honors Partners with
VIP (Very Important Partner) Award Ceremony
November 9th and 16th, 2006
Hundreds of people gathered at Good Shepherd Food-Bank's (GSFB) Auburn and Brewer facilities recently, for 25th Anniversary Open House Celebrations and VIP (Very Important Partner) Award Ceremonies.
The evening began with a welcome from new Executive Director, Rick Small who spoke of Good Shepherd Food-Bank's appreciation for the ongoing support of so many ; "We are honored to recognize partners who have helped us along the way. Our work is made possible only by the contributions of so many food donors, financial supporters, transportation providers, agencies, and volunteers. Today, in our 25th year, there are more than 570 member agencies statewide who rely on us to to provide food for more than 70,000 Mainers each month. We couldn't do our work with out you."
A Legislative Sentiment was read by Sen Lois Snowe-Mello followed by special commemorative letters from representatives of Sen Susan Collins, Sen Olympia Snowe, and Congressman Mike Michaud's offices. Governor John Baldacci issued a Proclamation officially recognizing November 8th as Good Shepherd Food-Bank Day.
JoAn Chartier, GSFB Public Relations/Education Coordinator and Sue O'Brien, Project Coordinator for Brewer presented awards to the following recipients:
Hannaford Supermarkets - Food Industry Leadership VIP Award: Hannaford has been partners with GSFB since the very beginning, having donated millions of pounds of good, salvage product through the years. More than 60% of GSFB's warehouse is filled with donations of product from Hannaford. Receiving the award in Auburn was Mike Harris, Hannaford Vice President of Retail Services. Brewer award recipient was Gary Campbell, Manager of Hannaford on Broadway.
Federal Distributors - Food Mobile VIP Award: GSFB had an idea inspired by other food banks across the U.S; A food-mobile used as a tool to transport and distribute food to remote parts of Maine, while increasing the capacity to agencies with small facilities. An e-mail detailing our dream was sent to Federal Distributors in 2005 and within a few days, Paul Spellman and Dave Flynn called to say they realized the potential to assist thousands of needy clients and they had a retired beer truck to fulfill the vision. To date, more than 333,000 pounds of food has been distributed throughout every county in Maine. Receiving the award was Rita St Amand, Vice President of Human Services
Maine's Credit Unions' Campaign For Ending Hunger - Food Mobile VIP Award: Maine's Credit Unions have been long standing supporters of GSFB. In 2005, when GSFB launched it's Food-Mobile Program, Maine Credit Unions offered $15,000 in funding to send 2 deliveries to each county within the State of Maine - bringing 10,000 lbs of food to underserved pantries with each trip. The Credit Union's ongoing support represents all of the branches and members working together - from candle sales to turkey donations, making a significant difference to thousands throughout the state. Receiving the award in Auburn was Jon Paradise, MCUL Governmental and Public Affairs Manager. Brewer recipient was Mary Jo Freeman, Manager EMMC FCU State St, Bangor.
Wal-Mart - The New Horizon VIP Award: Increasing needs in our state left GSFB with a need for new partners in the food industry. When Wal-Mart opened their distribution center in Lewiston last year, we were happy to have the opportunity to tour their general managers through the GSFB warehouse in Auburn and to inspire them in our work and the need in Maine. Since that time, Wal-Mart's Distribution Center has become a new partner of GSFB, sending us hundreds of thousands of good product to meet increasing needs. They have also made the effort to send all of their new employees to volunteer time in the GSFB warehouse. Receiving the award was: Alan Hanley, General Manager and Ed O'Brien, Asst. General Manager.
Sun Journal - Communications VIP Award: The Sun Journal and the Costello family, through the years, remain committed to support the people and businesses who reside in the communities they serve. Sun Journal has been with Good Shepherd since its' inception - covering dozens of stories of our founder's humble beginnings of rescuing food from dumpsters, to hundreds of press releases and covering important stories. Sun Journal can be counted on to be there when we need them. Receiving the award was Kristen Cady, Director of Marketing and member of GSFB's Development Committee.
International Paper -Transport Service VIP Award:
Transporting food is a big part of what GSFB does everyday. International Paper has been and friend and partner for dozens of years, helping transport product to and from our facility. This has saved us thousands of dollars in fuel, trucks, and drivers. The award went to Bob Ritter, General Manager of IP.
WCSH TV6 And WLBZ TV2 - Communications VIP Award: WCSH TV6 and WLBZ TV2 have been partners with GSFB since our inception - covering stories of everything from food drives to awareness-building walks against hunger. WCSH and WLBZ have helped bring greater awareness of GSFB's work throughout the State of Maine. We feel we have a compelling story to tell and you are the master at telling our stories. Support of WCSH TV6 and WLBZ TV2 includes awarding GSFB with the 2005 Many Hands Grant, partnering and emceeing our 25th Anniversary event, Voices of Hope, in Portland, offering several TV interviews with the talent of the "207" show, and for implementing Maine's first statewide food drive: Feed ME, to promote National Hunger Awareness Day. Representing WCSH6 and receiving the award were Reporter, Chris Faccini, Steve Thaxton, President and General Manager, Mike Marshall, VP of Promotions and Programming. Representing WLBZ2 and receiving award was Judy Horan, President and General Manager with Mark Parent, Director of Promotions and Programming.
Brownfield Food Pantry - Partner Agency VIP Award:
Jack & Marian Mitchell run the Brownfield Food Pantry which includes residents of Brownfield, Fryeburg, Stoneham, Denmark, and Hiram and often serving more than 500 people each week. Jack & Marian work tirelessly and take their work seriously. In fact, we often see them actually taking the time to read product labels because they know each of their client's nutritional needs! Jack & Marian Mitchell received the Award and were joined by friends of the Brownfield community.
Ted Brown - Service Leadership VIP Award:
Ted Brown has been a long time friend of GSFB, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for many years and also as interim Executive Director when we lost our founder, JoAnn Pike. Ted has helped the organization transition through difficult and challenging times, while setting an exemplary and inspiring example for us of what it means to both lead and to serve.
Nan Berry - Philanthropist VIP Award: Years ago, Nan Berry was inspired when she first met JoAnn Pike and learned of the tremendous need we had to improve the conditions of our dilapidated warehouse in Lewiston. The facility had become inadequate and sometimes resulted in our turning away of truckloads of food. Shortly after launching a capital campaign to build our new Auburn facility, an anonymous gift appeared in our bank account. This gift, from Nan Berry, enabled us to purchase all the racking in the entire warehouse. Nan's support has equated to helping us provide over one million pounds of food to hungry people throughout Maine. Accepting award on behalf of Nan Berry were her parents, Mr & Mrs Bill Berry.
The Sandy River Charitable Foundation - Grantmaker VIP Award: The Sandy River Foundation became intrigued with an idea over 5 years ago. GSFB approached this family foundation with a purpose: to acquire more funding through a matching challenge appeal in which funds raised would directly benefit the partner agencies we serve. Sandy River Foundation accepted this challenge and to date has provided funding for more than three million pounds of food to GSFB and partner agencies. Accepting award was Mr & Mrs Bill Berry, Presidents, Sandy River Charitable Foundation.
Twin City Times - Communications VIP Award: Peter & Laurie Steele, are good friends of GSFB and are owners of the L/A's only weekly paper that we look forward to every Thursday and love to read. They have delighted us in so many ways, helping us to spread awareness of our work, our needs, and to help promote special events. GSFB has been grateful recipients of very special and gratis "Real Estate" in the TCT weekly paper. Accepting Award was Laurie Steele and Sharon Lagasse, Office Manager.
The Beale Street Barbeque - Restaurant of the Year VIP Award: On June 3rd, 2006, in observance of National Hunger Awareness Day, Beale Street Barbeque initiated it's "Because Everybody Has To Eat Campaign". They pledged 10% of profits from 3 Maine Restaurants and made a $10,000 donation to GSFB which will in turn, provide more than $120,000 worth of food to needy families. Beale Street also joined GSFB as major sponsor of the 3rd Annual Motorcycle Ride Against Hunger, providing tee shirts and a luncheon BBQ for all the participants. Receiving award was Rebecca Quigg, Owner & Director of Corporate Affairs.
Dorothy Egg Farms - Agricultural VIP Award: Dorothy Egg Farms has been a silent partner for over 10 years. Each week, they quietly pull their truck up to our front doors and deliver a minimum of 120 dozen fresh eggs. This helps us to provide a great source of protein for our agencies, something so often lacking in the diets of those we serve at GSFB. Donations to date have equated to more than 750,000 fresh eggs! Receiving the award was Mr Charles Wallace.
Pastor Merv Keller - Volunteer Service VIP Award: In 1987, Pastor Keller of the Lewiston Brethren Church, asked our founder, JoAnn Pike, if she had a need for volunteers. JoAnn had no idea that this question would eventually develop into a wonderful relationship with the Brethen Church members who have since provided GSFB with a group and family who work for us full time, for no pay, all year. Each year, the Brethren Church sends dedicated volunteers to us from every part of the country. We estimate that the Brethren volunteers have saved the food bank tens of thousands of dollars each year. Pastor Keller attended and received the award on behalf of Brethren Volunteers.
Sarah Olstein - Youth Recognition VIP Award: Sarah is a very special young lady and friend of GSFB. As part of her Bat Mitzvah, she approached GSFB with an idea to help raise both funds and awareness of hunger in Maine. Her idea was to sell Silicone Awareness Bracelets to kids and people throughout the state. Sarah had done all her homework - having priced individual vendors and establishing a plan to promote the bracelets in all Maine schools. To date, more than 3,500 people throughout Maine have purchased the Hunger Bracelets, helping us to raise awareness of our work in every corner of the state. Receiving the award was Sarah Olstein of Auburn, ME.
Ted Blaisdell - Youth Recognition VIP Award: Ted is a special and dedicated young man who took on a big, yet successful Eagle Scout project to benefit GSFB. Through his task of organizing and soliciting donations of products from many local businesses, Ted completed an improved volunteer break area outside of GSFB's Auburn facility, equipped with picnic tables, benches, trees, and signage. He worked with local vendors to have new signage made for the front of our entrance to give GSFB better visibility and recognition. A special honorarium garden for all to enjoy was also planted & along the front of the building. Ted rallied fellow scouts and their families for an all day landscaping event at GSFB this fall. Receiving the award was Ted Blaisdell of Lewiston, ME.
Tree of Life Food Pantry - Partner Agency V.I.P. Award: The Tree of Life Food Pantry is located in Blue Hill. They are a non profit volunteer organization dedicated to providing both emergency and supplemental food for neighbors in their community; providing and selling good, used clothing, and fostering self-help and education in the Blue Hill Peninsula. This is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff and is completely self- sustaining. This past year, the community and volunteers of Tree of Life Food Pantry took on a new challenge, to expand their pantry in order to better serve their community. This agency sets a fine example of how we can partner together to make such an important difference in the lives of neighbors in need. Receiving award was Jim Jaffrey, Director, Tree of Life Food Pantry.
Husson College - Service Learning V.I.P. Award: Becky Lindley has been part of GSFB's Development Committee since we began in June 2005. Becky was instrumental in rallying students from the Alpha Phi Omega organization to help with painting and sprucing up the Brewer Warehouse facility. This group worked and donated more than 75 hours to help paint the kitchen, hallway, bathroom, and our conference/meeting room. Attending are receiving award for Husson College were: Dean John Rubino, Becky Lindley-Perkins, Advisor to APO, Amanda Pelletier, Chapter President, Matt McCarthy, Agnes Neill, Melinda Dyer, and Sierra Tolman.
The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation - Philanthropist V.I.P. Award: The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation was approached during our Capital Campaign to provide funding so GSFB could expand its roots and acquire a freezer/cooler/non-perishable distribution center in the Greater Bangor Region. The Foundation agreed to this opportunity and in 1999 (?) GSFB opened its first satellite distribution facility, allowing over 75 partner agencies to save on their travel expenses and plan for their deliveries to be picked up in Brewer. Most recently, we were also awarded a significant gift to be used towards the purchase of a new 24 ft truck. We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with such a giving Foundation and we truly thankful for your ongoing support and dedication to the State of Maine.
Target - The New Horizon V.I.P. Award: Kelly Woodard called us about a year ago, wondering if we would be interested in accepting a weekly donation from Target's Bangor Store. Target, corporate-wide, is a Second Harvest donor and Kelly wanted to do something to help our food bank. We have been picking up weekly donations from this store for about a year now. The amounts range each week and add up to about 800 pounds per month. Kelly has challenged her coworkers to see if they can get that number to over 1,000 pounds) Kelly Woodard, Manager of Chargebacks & Receiving accepted the award.
LaBree's Bakery - "Special Treats" VIP Award: LaBree's Bakery is a family owned business, established in 1948 with humble beginnings. Today, LaBree's Bakery has become one of French Island's and Old Town's most successful businesses, employing over 200 people and distributing products throughout the continental US, Hawaii, and Canada. They produce and donate some of the most delicious, top quality, home-style baked good. We'd like to honor you with GSFB's "Sweet Treats VIP Award" and thank you for bringing smiles and special treats to the tables of so many who would otherwise go without. You're an appreciated partner of GSFB and to the thousands we serve. Receiving Award is Mr & Mrs Bernie LaBree, President & Owners of LaBree's Bakery
Mike Youngblood - Service Leadership V.I.P. Award: Mike Youngblood of the Bangor Chamber of Commerce is a friend of GSFB and has served on our Development Committee since it's inception in June 2005. Mike has been a great resource to us, always eager to help, and always so supportive of our mission to Feed hungry people in Maine. Mike is known community-wide for his untiring efforts and dedication to support Chamber members while providing professional advice and a friendly smile. Thank you Mike, for all that you do for the Greater Bangor Region. Mike Youngblood received the award and was accompanied by the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce President, Candy Guerrette.
Edward Little High School Work Study Program - Service Learning VIP Award: The ELHS Work Study Program was once an in-classroom type of program. In 2000, the program became mobile, enabling some 25 - 40 students to take part in volunteer programs throughout the Lewiston/Auburn community. Since 2001, Scot MacDonald, Work Study Instructor, has brought volunteers to GSFB to help sort food, load sorting lines, assist with mailings and fundraising. The students have benefited by having employment experiences of working as a team and giving back to community. Receiving the award was Scot MacDonald and Volunteer Students of ELHS Work Study Program. Pictured from left are GSFB Volunteer coordinator John Russell with ELHS Students, Scot MacDonald, & Rick Small, GSFB Exec Dir.
