Biggest, Most Successful Fundraiser in Second Harvest Food Bank’s History
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is overwhelmed and grateful to share that donations from the 10th annual Double Your Donation Day, which took place Thursday, December 10, totaled $2,098,874.39.
The food bank received $500,000 in matching gifts from sponsors and anonymous individuals ahead of the day. Due to unbelievable support from the public, the initial match was met midday. Because East Tenn., is an incredible place, supporters and sponsors offered an additional $500,000 match allowing ALL donations up to $1,000,000 to be doubled. Second Harvest received more than $1,000,000 in donations and public support from the East Tenn. community.
“In a year so heartbreaking and devastating as a whole, this year’s Double Your Donation Day will forever be remembered as a bright light of HOPE and overcoming,” said Second Harvest’s Executive Director, Elaine Streno. Streno continued, “Because of DYD (Double Your Donation), more than six million meals will land on the plates of your neighbors facing hunger in the 18 counties Second Harvest serves.”
Double Your Donation Day takes place during a critical time for the food bank. Following the holiday season, the shelves in the warehouse are empty. In just an eight month period of time (March-Nov.), Second Harvest distributed ONE MILLION pounds more food than in the same months of 2019. Due to the generosity of the community and organizations, Second Harvest will be able to restock the shelves for the start of 2021 and continue to support this community as it recovers from the economic impacts of this year.
Due to the pandemic, more families than ever face hunger. Before the start of the pandemic, the number of people in East Tennessee experiencing food insecurity was 169,000. This means the number of people facing hunger has increased by nearly 30% in less than a year. Now in East Tennessee, nearly 240,000 people experience food insecurity.
Second Harvest Food Bank would like to extend sincere thanks to the local media, sponsors and all everyone who donated to make December 10, 2020 an outstanding day. Together we are fighting hunger and feeding hope, 365 days a year because hunger truly has no season.
