Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank, whose mission is to end hunger on Long Island, will hold Feed the Need, their inaugural virtual fundraiser, on Wednesday, June 2.
The hour-long digital gathering, which commences at 6:00 p.m., will feature a three-course dinner provided by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, as well party boxes delivered directly to “attendees” houses. “In just one-hour, people can make a difference in the lives of more than 259,000 Long Islanders struggling with food insecurity including, 89,000 children,” said Paule Pachter, Long Island Cares CEO.
The soiree will also feature a silent auction, raffle prizes, guests speakers, professional MC’s, and opening remarks from Feeding America’s CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot.
“Because of COVID-19, Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank cancelled all special events in 2020 so that our staff and volunteers could respond to the emergency food needs of an additional 223,000 people impacted by the pandemic and who turned to the regional food bank for assistance,” Pachter added. “Now as we begin to return to a pre-pandemic environment, it’s time to recognize and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished during the past fourteen months including commemorating our 40th Anniversary.”
From March 2020 to March 2021 alone, Long Island Cares provided aid to 287,481 people. The pandemic caused food insecurity to skyrocket – with 192,542 new clients receiving first-time emergency food assistance from one of Long Island Cares’ five satellite locations or 25 food distribution pop-up centers. 18,957,519 pounds of food and other products were distributed to individuals and families in need. Since March 2020, Long Island has seen a 66 percent increase in food insecurity.
Feed the Need tickets start at $35.
To register, visit: www.licares.org.