United Way awards $50,000 to 13 local food pantries
United Way of Henderson County recently awarded $50,000 to 13 local public-facing food pantries and distribution sites, according to a news release. The funds were raised through a special initiative to help fight increasing food insecurity in the county.
“With rising inflation and skyrocketing food costs, almost 13% of our county currently faces food insecurity,” said United Way Executive Director Denise Cumbee Long in the release. “Food costs have risen 16% since 2020, and our local food pantries are taking a hit as they try to keep up with increasing demand. These organizations are a critical lifeline for hungry families, and they need our help.”
The fundraiser was launched as part of United Way’s Days of Caring in May. With a matching gift provided by local philanthropists Sue and Tom Fazio, United Way reached its $50,000 goal and was able to double every dollar donated by community members.
Long said United Way provided support for smaller food distribution sites as well as larger organizations since the smaller sites also play a critical role in meeting community needs in their respective areas.
“These funds will help us continue to serve an average of 85-90 persons each week through our Welcome Table meal, Monday morning breakfast, and our Blessing Box,” said Gale Hoots, a lead volunteer at Hope United Methodist Church in East Flat Rock.
Chip Lunsford, a volunteer at the Community Food Pantry in Edneyville, agreed with the importance of additional funding during a time of increased need.
“This support will help us as we feed approximately 2,000 individuals in our community every month. With the increased price of food these days, this kind of help is invaluable,” Lunsford said in the release.
Thirteen Henderson County food pantries and distribution sites received funding, including Calvary Episcopal Food Pantry, Etowah UMC Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Love’s Kitchen at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, Back on Track Addiction Ministry, Hendersonville SDA Church, Pan de Vida Food Pantry, St. Paul’s Episcopal Community Food Pantry, The Salvation Army, The Storehouse, The Welcome Table at Hope United Methodist Church, HOLA Carolina, and Hendersonville Family YMCA.
For information about resources in Henderson County, including food distribution sites, call United Way’s free confidential helpline at 2-1-1 or visit NC211.org.
Pardee Hospital's inaugural Casino Night set for August
The Pardee Hospital Foundation will host its first-ever Casino Night from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 25 at Burntshirt Vineyards.
According to a news release, the event will feature casino games with live dealers, food and locally-sourced beer and wine. All proceeds will go to support UNC Health Pardee's growing cardiology program. Tickets are $100 with a limited number still available, the release said.
“We’re looking forward to a fun night with our friends and neighbors that will fuel our mission to support and expand services provided by Pardee,” said Pardee Hospital Foundation executive director Amy Treece in the release. “Right now that means growing cardiology care for residents in our region by adding a new heart catheterization lab. Ultimately, this will help reduce the need for potentially lengthy – and ultimately, dangerous – transport to other hospitals for patients needing critical treatment."
At the conclusion of the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, more than 1,000 heart cath procedures took place at Pardee. That number has increased by 300% over the last six years.
“As one of only 86 hospitals in the country recognized for treatment of heart attack patients by the American College of Cardiology, Pardee is well-positioned for this important development,” Treece said.
Casino Night is underwritten by companies and individuals including Andy Oxy Co., Inc.; Grove Manor Flooring; Tammy & Rusty Albrecht; Eurotechnik; Heather Kogoy, Realtor - Asheville Luxury Brokers; Noble Pest Solutions; Kandi Hendricks-Allen Tate/Beverly Hanks Realtors; Camping World; Integrated Equipment; and Movement Mortgage/The Caldwell Lending Team.
To purchase Casino Night tickets or to learn more about sponsoring the event, contact Sarah Swartz at [email protected] or by calling 828-233-2700.
LWVHC sponsors program with Common Cause NC
The League of Women Voters of Henderson County, along with Common Cause NC, will hold a program "Democracy Challenges and Priorities" at 11 a.m. July 21 at Agudas Israel Synagogue, located at 505 Glasgow Lane in Hendersonville.
The guest speaker will be Bill Sederburg, who is a Common Cause NC Advisory Board member. According to a news release, League of Women Voters Voter Services Chair Lynn McFarland will provide information on up-to-the-minute legislative changes and challenges facing all North Carolinians.
Both organizations are celebrating anniversaries this year: Common Cause NC is celebrating 50 years, while the League of Women Voters of Henderson County is celebrating 60 years.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to the League of Women Voters' website at www.lwvhcnc.org.