SAN DIEGO–Feeding San Diego Monday announced that $1,045,382, equating to 4,181,526 meals, was raised during the sixth annual Month of a Million Meals campaign in partnership with ABC 10News and Live Well San Diego.
From November 18 to December 31, 2018, the campaign brought the community together to solve hunger through generous donations of funds, time, food and voice. One in eight people, including one in six children, struggle with hunger in San Diego County.
“Feeding San Diego is grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. Thanks to the generosity of countless donors and corporate partners, including King Amnipour and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, we exceeded our ambitious goal of raising four million meals,” said Vince Hall, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “More than 63,000 people every week rely on us to get enough to eat. The inspiring success of Month of a Million Meals propels us one step closer to a hunger free and healthy San Diego.”
“It was incredible to see the community of San Diego come together in such a generous way to support our neighbors facing hunger. ABC 10News is honored to be a partner of Feeding San Diego, reaching a new record of meals raised during Month of a Million Meals,” said Leon Clark, Vice President and General Manager of ABC 10News.
The campaign kicked off with a successful four-hour telethon on #GivingTuesday, featuring local celebrities, news anchors, chefs, firefighters, and athletes to unite the community in the fight against hunger. Guests included Bravo Top Chef Angelo Sosa, Master Chef Claudia Sandavol, Drew Shirley from Grammy award winning Band Switchfoot, former Charger David Binn and former Padre star Mark Loretta, along with many others.
Local attorney King Aminpour, matched all telethon donations up to $30,000. By 7:30 PM, generous San Diegans surpassed the challenge, and Aminpour presented Feeding San Diego with a check for $30,000. “I am deeply committed to the mission and vision of Feeding San Diego,” said King Aminpour, of King Aminpour Car Accident Lawyer. “This issue touches me to the core. I am blessed to be a part of this innovative organization that really can solve hunger.”
Along with the Aminpour match, Fred Abdelnour, Director of Community and Government Affairs for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, presented a $25,000 check to Feeding San Diego. “At Enterprise, we believe in giving back to the communities that are responsible for our success,” said Abdelnour. “We are invested in having a healthy and nourished San Diego.” Throughout the Month of Million Meals campaign, numerous corporate partners and community organizations held benefit events and special promotions to support the community-wide effort:
Throughout the Month of Million Meals campaign, numerous corporate partners and community organizations held benefit events and special promotions to support the community-wide effort:
· Barons Market asked customers at locations across the region to generously give funds and food.
· On December 11, Feeding San Diego held the inaugural Restaurants Unite event, where 12 local restaurants donated a portion of sales.
· Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley supported the campaign with a special shopping day on December 15 to benefit Feeding San Diego.
