CONTACT:
Paul Gaither, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 512-684-2528
Cell: 512-550-9030
pgaither@austinfoodbank.org
Exceeds Target for Event, Thanks to Outstanding Community Support
The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas raised more than 680,000 meals during this year’s Amplify Austin, far exceeding its goal of raising 600,000 meals during the twenty-four hour online giving event. The meals raised will go to thousands of Central Texans facing hunger, helping to close a “hunger gap” that leaves nearly 30 percent of our neighbors who are at risk of hunger without food assistance in their time of need.
The Food Bank’s fundraising efforts were helped by generous matching gifts from the St. David’s Foundation and the Wood Family, as well as on-site donation stations set up by WP Engine and The Summit at Lantana.
“We set an aggressive goal to raise 600,000 meals during Amplify Austin this year,” said Hank Perret, President and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and matching gift partners, we not only met that goal, we exceeded it. As a result, we’ll be able to provide more than 680,000 meals to our Central Texas neighbors facing hunger.”
One in 6 Central Texans faces hunger on a regular basis; for children, the number is 1 in every 4. And despite the Food Bank’s best efforts—more than 28 million meals provided last year—more people are turning for help to the Capital Area Food Bank and its Partner Agencies every day. Contributions to the Food Bank bring nourishing food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, to those who might otherwise do without. The Food Bank can turn every dollar donated into 4 meals, so every donation helps.
About the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
The mission of Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. Founded in 1981, CAFB provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, CAFB serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on CAFB and its programs, visit http://www.austinfoodbank.org.
About Amplify Austin
Started in 2013, Amplify Austin Day is a 24-hour day of community-wide, online giving that provides an easy and fun way for the entire community to pull together and help hundreds of nonprofits meet critical needs. Amplify Austin is hosted by I Live Here I Give Here. More than 600 organizations participated for 2016, with a goal of raising $9 million in 24 hours.
