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10th annual Walk Off Hunger raises record-breaking $93,000

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Tue, Aug 8th 2017 05:00 pm
Proceeds will help Food Bank of WNY provide 558,000 meals
The 10th annual Walk Off Hunger, presented by Life Storage, raised a record-breaking $93,000 for the Food Bank of WNY. The proceeds from the event will help the Food Bank of WNY provide approximately 558,000 nutritious meals for hungry local families.
"This year's Walk Off Hunger was a tremendous success; we are honored to partner with the Food Bank of WNY and the other sponsors to help fight hunger in our community. We look forward to the continued growth of this wonderful event," said Diane Piegza, vice president of investor relations and community affairs at Life Storage.
Nearly 700 individuals participated in Walk Off Hunger, which was held July 29 at Island Park in Williamsville. The family-friendly event, co-hosted by Calvary Episcopal Church and Congregation Shir Shalom, offered plenty of food and entertainment for attendees of all ages to enjoy while supporting a worthwhile cause.
The fundraiser's proceeds come at a critical time, as donations to the Food Bank of WNY significantly decrease in the summer - while the need in the community remains high. During summer vacation, many families whose children rely on their school's free or reduced-price meal program have to turn to the Food Bank of WNY's member agencies for food assistance.
In any given month, the Food Bank of WNY provides nutritious food and support to as many as 135,000 individuals - including more than 44,000 families and 55,000 children and infants - throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.
"It is so humbling and inspiring to see how far Walk Off Hunger has come since we began this fundraiser 10 years ago. I am truly grateful to the Western New York community for coming together to make this walk our best yet," said Gary Bluestein, member of the Food Bank of WNY's board of directors and the founder and honorary chair of Walk Off Hunger. "Walk Off Hunger's continued success is truly a team effort, and made possible thanks to the dedication of our walkers, the generosity of our sponsors and the hard work put forth by our volunteers, Walk Off Hunger committee members and Food Bank of WNY staff."
"We are thankful for all of our wonderful supporters who work so hard to help the Food Bank of WNY fight hunger one day at a time," said Ramon Morales, member of the Food Bank of WNY's board of directors and chair of Walk Off Hunger. "Throughout the past 10 years, the proceeds from Walk Off Hunger have enabled the Food Bank of WNY to provide 3.4 million meals for hungry children, families and seniors in our community."
Walk Off Hunger was made possible through the generosity of many sponsors, including presenting sponsor Life Storage; diamond sponsors - Andreozzi Bluestein LLP, Evans Bank, Father Sam's Bakery, Galbani, Praxair Inc., SEFCU and Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving; and platinum sponsors Delta Air Lines, First Student, Foxy Delivery Service and Eduardo and Amy Heumann.
The Food Bank of WNY is the primary hunger-relief organization in Western New York, obtaining and distributing food to 341 member agencies, including food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, youth programs, and senior centers in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties.
For more information, visit www.foodbankwny.org.

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