FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2013
Local “Gratitude” Author Takes on Fight Against Hunger
Akron, Ohio - Karen DeLuca, author of Living Your Life in Gratitude is taking gratitude to a new level with a campaign to help feed homeless and vulnerable people within her community in Akron, Ohio. DeLuca is leading the campaign for the ”Million Meals Movement” with a goal to raise $500,000 over the next three years. The money will be used to purchase and package one million non-perishable meals which will be distributed through food cupboards and community free meal programs to homeless and vulnerable individuals within Akron and surrounding communities in Ohio. In addition to serving up one million meals, proceeds will also be distributed by the grassroots non-profit organization, Hands & Paws in Gratitude, to support the rescue and preservation of animal friends.
The initiative came as the result of talking with people while Ms. DeLuca was promoting her book, Living Your Life in Gratitude. The book was written to encourage readers to embrace and express gratitude in their daily lives. DeLuca stated, “The economic fallout has affected so many people I spoke with, many of whom questioned how they could be grateful when they had lost their jobs, their homes and the lifestyle they had become accustomed to.” She added, “There is always something to be grateful for but the reality is many families amongst us are suffering including our children.” It is estimated, that in the state of Ohio alone, 1 in 5 children do not have the basic necessities including three square meals a day”. So, DeLuca decided to take action and demonstrate that gratitude is more than a state of mind, it is a way of living.
The Million Meal Movement plans to mobilize activists, business leaders, community groups, civic organizations, schools, churches and local residents to help in the fight against hunger. Partnerships with prominent organizations such as, Outreach, Feed6, local food cupboards and community free meal programs have already been established to ensure the meals are packaged and distributed to those most in need. In addition to creating a Million Meals, a portion of the proceeds collected will be shared through a partnership with Pawsibilities, the Akron Humane Society who will ensure that donations go to area shelters for the feeding, rescue and care of animals.
Over the next three years, the goal is to raise $500,000 through a series of fundraising events, corporate donations and private donations. This year’s campaign target is $100,000 which will support the purchase and distribution of 200,000 meals and result in a significant contribution to animal shelters. Fundraising events include a Motorcycle Charity Ride on June 8th at Carlton Harley Davidson, and a Pet Parade Walkathon and a Golf Tournament are in the planning. The major event will be held at Thanksgiving and will bring together volunteers in a marathon food packaging event which will include family entertainment, fun activities and music – an extraordinary way to share the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving and provide a valuable service to neighbors in need.
When asked if this is a realistic mission, DeLuca responds, “Absolutely. I am passionate about this most worthy cause and feel confident that others in my community will come forward and help. We have so much to be grateful for and I know that, together we can make a difference in the fight against hunger. And who knows, maybe we will reach our goal of a Million Meals before the three year time frame. Miracles can and do happen.
For more information on how you can help out, contact Hands & Paws in Gratitude at 330-940-2129 or handsandpawsingratitude.org.
May 22, 2013
Local “Gratitude” Author Takes on Fight Against Hunger
Akron, Ohio - Karen DeLuca, author of Living Your Life in Gratitude is taking gratitude to a new level with a campaign to help feed homeless and vulnerable people within her community in Akron, Ohio. DeLuca is leading the campaign for the ”Million Meals Movement” with a goal to raise $500,000 over the next three years. The money will be used to purchase and package one million non-perishable meals which will be distributed through food cupboards and community free meal programs to homeless and vulnerable individuals within Akron and surrounding communities in Ohio. In addition to serving up one million meals, proceeds will also be distributed by the grassroots non-profit organization, Hands & Paws in Gratitude, to support the rescue and preservation of animal friends.
The initiative came as the result of talking with people while Ms. DeLuca was promoting her book, Living Your Life in Gratitude. The book was written to encourage readers to embrace and express gratitude in their daily lives. DeLuca stated, “The economic fallout has affected so many people I spoke with, many of whom questioned how they could be grateful when they had lost their jobs, their homes and the lifestyle they had become accustomed to.” She added, “There is always something to be grateful for but the reality is many families amongst us are suffering including our children.” It is estimated, that in the state of Ohio alone, 1 in 5 children do not have the basic necessities including three square meals a day”. So, DeLuca decided to take action and demonstrate that gratitude is more than a state of mind, it is a way of living.
The Million Meal Movement plans to mobilize activists, business leaders, community groups, civic organizations, schools, churches and local residents to help in the fight against hunger. Partnerships with prominent organizations such as, Outreach, Feed6, local food cupboards and community free meal programs have already been established to ensure the meals are packaged and distributed to those most in need. In addition to creating a Million Meals, a portion of the proceeds collected will be shared through a partnership with Pawsibilities, the Akron Humane Society who will ensure that donations go to area shelters for the feeding, rescue and care of animals.
Over the next three years, the goal is to raise $500,000 through a series of fundraising events, corporate donations and private donations. This year’s campaign target is $100,000 which will support the purchase and distribution of 200,000 meals and result in a significant contribution to animal shelters. Fundraising events include a Motorcycle Charity Ride on June 8th at Carlton Harley Davidson, and a Pet Parade Walkathon and a Golf Tournament are in the planning. The major event will be held at Thanksgiving and will bring together volunteers in a marathon food packaging event which will include family entertainment, fun activities and music – an extraordinary way to share the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving and provide a valuable service to neighbors in need.
When asked if this is a realistic mission, DeLuca responds, “Absolutely. I am passionate about this most worthy cause and feel confident that others in my community will come forward and help. We have so much to be grateful for and I know that, together we can make a difference in the fight against hunger. And who knows, maybe we will reach our goal of a Million Meals before the three year time frame. Miracles can and do happen.
For more information on how you can help out, contact Hands & Paws in Gratitude at 330-940-2129 or handsandpawsingratitude.org.
