A bow to philanthropists Sara and Steve Bayard.
They’ve made a commitment of $50,000 to match every donation made in support of Food4Families, a Meals on Wheels PLUS program experiencing a significant rise in demand from people who depend on the Food Bank of Manatee, especially during the summer.
Through Food4Families, the Food Bank of Manatee distributes free bags of nonperishable food each Friday at select locations throughout Manatee County. This helps ensure children and families have enough to eat when access to school meals is unavailable.
“The increase we’re seeing underscores the growing need in our community,” said Amy Towery, Vice President of Development.
Unfortunately, she pointed out, as the need for assistance typically rises this time of year, charitable donations traditionally decline.
“So this matching gift challenge provides an opportunity for our community to make twice the impact. Every donated dollar will immediately be doubled, helping us provide even more meals to (those) who are struggling.”
Donations can be made online at MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org/donate, or by calling 941-747-4655, or by mail to MealsOnWheelsPLUS, 811 23rd Ave. E., Bradenton, 34208.
· Uh, oh! Jason Boone hit the Big 4-0!
· And ol’ sports writer Lou Brodersen is 87 years young.
· Well done to the honorees at the 12th annual Champions of Healthcare Awards, sponsored by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
Among the awards and people who received them were the Lifetime Achievement Award: Vernon DeSear, Manatee Memorial Foundation; Youth Volunteer Award: Emma Timmons, Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center; Adult Volunteer Award: James Curran, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Allied Health Professional Award: Megan Hawkins, RN, Blake Hospital; Nurse Award: Sina Caffrey, RN, Rowlett Elementary Academy; Physician-Dentist Award: Dr. Lana Nusbaum, Turning Points; and Individual of Merit Award: Mark Goodson, Manatee Health.
Judges were Rob Coseo, VITAS Healthcare; Dr. Kristin DesErmia, Coastal Hearing Care; Shauna Francis, Blake Hospital; Matt Lapointe, Blalock Walters; and Valerie Vale, Manatee County Medical Society.
· Karen and Dan Weaver are 39. Again.
· Sandy Darcy, too.
· Engineer Mike Ritchie marked 15 years with the City of Bradenton Fire Department.
· When it comes to being an alum of a high school with a cool mascot, Wisconsin native Casey Zempel’s got a good one. The Manatee County Government’s communications manager was a Clintonville Trucker, emblematic of the industry that’s been part of that town’s history since 1909.
· And Kourtney Kalahar is 29. Again.
Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: VIN’S PEOPLE: Manatee couple matches donations for food bank program
Reporting by Vin Mannix, Special to the Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Vin Mannix, Special to the Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
