$1 Million Challenge
Offers to Help Fight Hunger in Your Community

For six years Alan Shawn Feinstein’s foundation has pledged $1,000,000 to be divided among non-profit groups in the United States that work to feed the hungry. Individuals and congregations that raise funds/collect food donations from March 1 through April 30, 2003, and file a report will receive a proportional amount of the $1,000,000 for their local feed-the-hungry effort. Additionally, schools that collect food items for an agency will be eligible for one of 50 $1,000 awards.

In 2002, 22 Community of Christ projects participated in the Feinstein challenge, raising more than $175,000 collectively. Each group received a Feinstein Foundation grant. The church’s World Hunger Fund received a $1,000 bonus in recognition of organizational effort. Overall, Feinstein challenges have raised more than $160 million for over 2,000 agencies.

Joyce Carter of the Restoration Branch in Ocala, Florida, volunteered to coordinate this ministry. She said, “I saw it as an opportunity for people to rise to the call of Zion. Feinstein believes we can stamp out hunger in our nation if we work together. I believe he is correct and as the Community of Christ working toward Zion we should be in the forefront of the effort.”

Participants from 2002 found the awareness and support gained has been of long-term benefit. Patricia Rodriguez, director of the Los Fresnos Community Food Pantry, housed in the Los Fresnos, Texas, congregation, said, “The million-dollar challenge motivated us to respond and helped make our fund raising initiatives a great success.” Pastor of the Loveland, Ohio, congregation, and Loveland Interfaith Effort board member Vern Foster said, “This was the largest fund raising event we have had so far.” William Barsema, pastor of the Gulfport, Mississippi, congregation, and Ocean Springs to Long Beach Interfaith Hospitality Network board member appreciated the goal established by the challenge. He coordinated a campaign that included 18 churches and the larger community.

Joyce challenges all who are interested to get involved and donate at least one day of work to a local hunger project; “We need to be diligent in our efforts to meet the needs of the poor in our communities. Let’s put in an especially strong effort during March and April and participate in Mr. Feinstein’s project this year.” For more information contact Joyce at joyceanncarter3@hotmail.com or Ken Schnell at 1-800-825-2806, ext. 3073.

-Kendra Friend reporting