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FeedMore WNY Foundation turns signature fundraiser into virtual event to help hunger-relief organization meet increased need

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Fri, May 15th 2020 07:00 am

‘Sweet Expectations at Home’ set for May 20

In order to help meet the increased need for food assistance in the community, the FeedMore WNY Foundation will hold a virtual event from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. “Sweet Expectations at Home,” co-presented by James Desiderio Inc. and Wegmans, will allow guests to participate in an online auction and purchase chocolate-covered pretzels with the potential of winning gift cards ranging from $10 to $50.

Tickets for “Sweet Expectations at Home” range from $25 to $100; attendees will be entered into exclusive raffles depending on the level of ticket they purchase. Tickets and more information can be found online at www.feedmorewny.org/sweet-expectations.

“Sweet Expectations at Home” ticketholders will be able to bid on auction items as early as May 18. In addition to the online auction, the event on May 20 will include live raffles, musical entertainment from AcoustifieDuo and “mission moments” featuring photographs and stories of Western New Yorkers helping FeedMore WNY serve the community.

Instead of postponing or canceling its signature fundraiser, the FeedMore WNY Foundation decided to transition to a virtual event because the hunger-relief organization is in need of funds now to help meet the overwhelming need for food assistance in the community as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis. FeedMore WNY was serving more than 135,000 individuals annually before the pandemic reached Western New York. Since then, thousands more have turned to the nonprofit for nutritious food. Approximately 1,600 individuals have been added to FeedMore WNY’s home-delivered meal service in the past two months, and the organization is distributing 54% more home-delivered meals each week. Since the crisis began, FeedMore WNY also has provided more than 2.8 million pounds of food to its partner-hunger relief agencies and through supplemental food distributions – a 42% increase compared to what it usually distributes this time of year.

“FeedMore WNY will always do everything in our power to provide nutritious food to those in need. This pandemic is a once-in-a-generation crisis that has wrought devastation for so many of our community members. Even after the immediate threat of the virus subsides, we know that so many of our neighbors will be suffering from food insecurity and financial hardship for a long time to come,” said Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY. “FeedMore WNY is in need of the support of the community to continue our mission and meet the increased demand for food assistance during these unprecedented times. We encourage everyone to join us for ‘Sweet Expectations at Home’ on May 20. Not only will it be a fun evening and an opportunity to win fantastic prizes, but it will be a wonderful way to support your neighbors in need.”

About FeedMore WNY

FeedMore WNY offers dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need. Through its food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivered meal program and other targeted feeding programs, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. More information can be found at www.feedmorewny.org.

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