‘1 of
52’ Hunger Network Expands Scope
PROVIDENCE,
RI: The ‘1 of 52’ Hunger Network, a non-profit that connects individuals who
use their unique talents to take action to help end hunger in one week annually,
has expanded its scope. The network has grown from its roots in Rhode Island
and now has chapters started in 22 states.
Eventually every state will have a
network of 52 members, each member representing one week of the year, all
taking ongoing action to help end hunger. Thousands in donations, tons of food
and mass awareness have been directed to support existing hunger agencies. Members of this strength-in-numbers network
are folks from all walks of life who unite their individual actions behind one
goal: creating food secure communities.
The
concept is based on the belief that food security can only happen in one place;
in the community, and can only come about in one way; with individuals taking
direct action in their community. The ‘1 of 52’ Hunger Network serves to prompt
and unite these actions trough a simple, grassroots method of organizing.
Members
are asked to use their unique talents (everybody has one!) to take action in a
minimum of one week annually. Members are asked to take action soup-to-nuts and
range from organizing simple community food drives up to full blown benefit
concerts.
The ‘1
of 52’ Hunger Network is seeking support for these upcoming member events:
~ On June 20th at 6pm (doors at 5:30), the Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main St., Wakefield, RI, hosts an annual 1 of 52 Hunger Network Member Concert featuring over a dozen renown performers. A portion of proceeds and a food drive benefit area food pantries.
~ Starting
on June18th and running every Thursday dusk to 9pm throughout the summer
(weather permitting), the Wakefield Village Association has invited ‘1 of 52’
Member musicians to perform on the banks of RiverFire. The events are free,
attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to benefit
the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale. The
inaugural music performance is being donated by local favorite Jason Colonies.
~ On
the weekend of July 17th - 19th, Hunger activist Chakulla
and Friends will bring the Hunger Bus to the Hot Air Balloon Fest at the URI
Campus to ‘sing out for food’. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food
items to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Last year, the Food Bank distributed
9.9 million pounds of food through its network of 169 member agencies at 214
sites. The Food Bank’s member agencies now serve more than 63,000 people every
month. Watch for the Hunger Bus as it criss-crosses the North East this summer
raising food, funds and awareness for the cause.
~ On
Saturday, July 18th from 11am to 1 pm at Java Madness in Wakefield,
RI, long time 1 of 52 Hunger Network Member Glenn Dewell will be holding his
annual food drive. Glenn always presents a talented line-up as he collects food
and funds to benefit local and state-wide food agencies. Java Madness often
donates 10% of food proceeds at the numerous hunger benefits they host.
~ On
Sunday, August 9th at 6pm at the Crown Plaza, Warwick, RI, the 1 of
52 Hunger Network has been invited to host a food drive to benefit the Rhode
Island Community Food Bank at one of the state’s premier charity events; the 15th
annual Rock ‘n’ Jock Charities. The Rock-N-Jock
Charities Night of Entertainment features John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown
Band, Steve Smith & The Nakeds, Skip Martin (Kool & the Gang, Dazz Band),
and The Temptations Revue.
This event also marks a new
partnership with ‘Hunger Down’ whose primary
mission is to encourage all entertainment venues and annual events to collect
food contributions on a regular basis. Hunger Down partners also include
the RI Music Hall of Fame, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, MusicTown, Midday
Records, We Share Hope and RIBASE.
~ The 8th Annual Polycystic
Kidney Disease Two Day Rock Festival starts at 5pm on Friday, September 11th
at Providence Firefighters Memorial Hall, Providence, RI. The festival features
top area bands to benefit the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation to further
research leading to treatments and a possible cure. A food drive to benefit the Rhode
Island Community Food Bank is held both days.
~ On Saturday, August 15th,
starting at Noon at Goddard Memorial Park in Warwick, RI, the RISING annual Summer
Music Festival has added a food drive to benefit the Rhode Island Community
Food Bank.
~ On Saturday, December 5th,
Local United Network to Combat Hunger (LUNCH) holds their annual Holiday show
in Stonington, CT. LUNCH have been designating their Holiday Show as part of
their ‘1 of 52’ Member action since 1999 and has been combining Arts, Education, and
Community Outreach Since 1989.
~ 2015 marks the 15th Anniversary
of the release of the “Time Is Now” Hunger Benefit Compilation. This critically
acclaimed album is comprised of original songs revolving around the theme of
ending hunger. Events centered on the compilation’s re-release are being
planned throughout the North East.
Learn details on all upcoming
benefit events and how you, as an individual, can make a major difference at www.1of52.net.