Photo By Cris Radice
On Monday night, I attended a special dinner at good, a restaurant down in Chelsea. Sponsored by Jacob’s Creek, the dinner served as an introduction to Share Our Strength. I had heard of the charity before, but it was good to learn more about its history along with some of its current initiatives. Added to the charitable mix was wonderful food and excellent conversations. Dawn and Elizabeth co-hosted the evening along with my dear friend Beth. Isabel (who is always so much fun to catch up with) was also there. (I always walk away from time spent with Beth and Isabel feeling encouraged and inspired. Last night was no exception!) In addition, I had the chance to meet Candace and Nicole. They were both very warm and friendly (not to mention hilarious in their descriptions of raising 3 year old girls). There were several other great people there too, but I didn’t get everyone’s information.
Anyway, let me get back to the driving force behind the dinner…Share our Strength. Founded in 1984, the organization makes grants to approximately one thousand organizations. One of their biggest initiatives is the annual “Taste of the Nation”, a series of 40 events that take place across the nation since 1988. So far, these tasting events have raised $273 million to combat hunger. They also partner with various companies (like Jacob’s Creek, the sponsor for the night’s event). Jacob’s Creek does a variety of programs with Share our Strength including donating $1 (up to $150,000) for every free “virtual” glass of wine raised on their Facebook page. FYI: Jacob Creeks chose the $150,000 because they are currently celebrating 150 years of winemaking.
We also discussed several other Share Our Strength programs. In “The Great American Dine Out”, which is taking place September 19th – 25th) over 4,000 restaurants have registered to take place in this dining program that is expected to raise over $1 million dollars. The Dine Out is taking place this week, so if you have plans to eat out this week, definitely check for participating restaurants first. A few more programs were mentioned, but you can always check the Share Our Strength website to get a comprehensive overview. Before leaving, we briefly spoke about an upcoming Kid Strength program that will launch in November. Share our Strength has a lofty (and impressive!) goal: to eradicate childhood hunger in 4.5 years. Can they do it? I sure hope so!
As I left, I thought of practical ways that we all can help. Everyone can do something. If finances are tight, you can raise a virtual glass of wine in order to donate a dollar. If you have a little more money, you can add to that by dining out this week at a restaurant that is participating in the Dine Out program. For more ways that you can help combat hunger, visit Share Our Strength’s website.
By the way, if you happen to raise a virtual glass of wine or participate in any of the other Share Our Strength initiatives, please let me know in the “Comments” section below by the end of the month. I will give one of you respondents a bottle of Jacob’s Creek Cabernet Merlot that I received last night. (I only like “sweet” wines, so my favorite drink of the night was the Moscato.) Cheers!
Photo by Jacob’s Creek