Press releases

Meal's proceeds help House of Hope
help others

PRESS RELEASE DATE: DEC. 3, 2009

House of Hope exceeded its fund-raising goal for its fourth annual Meal or No Meal Community Awareness Dinner.

The event, held Nov. 6 at St. Mary’s Pittenger Center in Stuart, netted $40,012 for the agency – about $3,000 more than the event’s goal. The funds will support the agency’s programs that provide food, clothing, case management and emergency financial assistance to thousands of Martin County residents in need.

 “Every year, this event has grown, which is a wonderful commentary on the generosity of our community,” said Judy Rosenthal, who was co-chairwoman along with Kerry Caruso.

Meal or No Meal has become the signature event for House of Hope in its mission to offer a hand up to thousands of Martin County families each year.

The event is unique because dinner is presented by the same volunteers who prepare the free meals at local churches every week throughout Martin County. The event’s meal consists of the same warm, nutritious fare as someone might receive at a community meal kitchen — pork roast, pasta, vegetables, salad, bread, etc.

A platter of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches is placed on each table as a reminder that dinner for many families might be such a sandwich — or less — without support for such places as House of Hope and its partners.

The church partners in this event are St. Mary’s Episcopal, Redeemer Lutheran, Hobe Sound Community Presbyterian, St. Joseph Catholic, St. Martin De Porres Catholic, and First Baptist in Jensen Beach.

The presenting sponsors were John and Donna Haas. Entertainment was provided by the talented St. Joseph School Jazz Band.

For more information about House of Hope, call (772) 286-4673 or visit www.hohmartin.org.