2014 Partner Appreciation Day

On Friday, October 17th, Team GBFB gathered at the Yawkey Distribution Center and recognized our most dedicated member agencies, donors, volunteers, and elected officials at our annual Partner Appreciation Day. This year, GBFB distributed over 50 million pounds of food and got closer to our One Meal A Day strategic objective. We would not be able to do this without this network of dedicated supporters. It was a great day where Catherine D’Amato and Chair of GBFB Board of Directors, Woody Bradford, acknowledged the winners and we got to hear from each of the awardees.

Check out this year’s winners:

BNY Mellon: Founder’s Award – This award honors an individual or organization who demonstrates extraordinary leadership in philanthropic and human services by donating money, food, and time. The recipient must also exemplify GBFB’s mission through outstanding involvement, dedication, and leadership in working with others to help end hunger in the community. BNY Mellon, a GBFB supporter for over 30 years has done all of this and more. Last year, in addition to being part of our Leadership Circle, they provided a $50,000 grant for GBFB’s School-based Pantry program. They also match all employee donations through their Community Partnership Campaign and are one of our Annual Banquet sponsors.

Walmart: Leadership Award – This award is conferred on an institutional financial donor that also volunteers employee time or donates in-kind products or services. The Walmart team is extremely energetic and shares a passion for GBFB’s mission to End Hunger Here. In the last year, they donated enough to provide over 520,000 healthy meals.

Elder Services of Merrimack Valley: Community Partner of the Year Award – To receive this award, a member hunger-relief agency must consistently exceed expectations in food distribution, food safety, nutrition, nutrition education, community advocacy, leadership, and partnership. A dedicated partner since the launch of the Haverhill Brown Bag site in 2005, Elder Services of Merrimack Valley currently operates four brown bag distributions, serving over 2,400 seniors monthly.

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.: Food Donor of the Year Award – To receive this award, an organization must be among the top 10 food donors three times in the previous five years and consistently provide nutrient-rich food. BJ’s gave a lead gift to the campaign for our building, has supported our annual Banquet, Kids Café Program, and Annual Capacity Grants; as well as provided funding for Thanksgiving turkeys. Last year, BJ’s donated close to 600,000 pounds of food to GBFB, a 23% year-over-year increase.

Vecna Corp.: Volunteer of the Year Award (Institution) – The recipient of this award is a group that has volunteered at least three times a year, for two years, and had a significant impact on The Greater Boston Food Bank. Vecna Corp. has exceeded these requirements by volunteering each and every week, making almost 500 volunteer visits and spending over 11,000 volunteer hours at GBFB.

Patricia Danner:  Volunteer of the Year Award (Individual): The recipient of this award is an individual who has volunteered at least three times a year, for two years, and had a significant impact on The Greater Boston Food Bank. Pat Danner has been volunteering every Monday morning at GBFB for the last two years and also volunteers her time at our School-based pantries and Mobile Markets.

Senator Sal DiDomenico and Representative Stephen Kulik: Public Advocates of the Year – This award recognizes government officials who have shown a strong commitment to the provision and protection of the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP). Both Sen. DiDomenico and Rep. Kulik have been supporters of increasing MEFAP funding and great advocates for hunger relief organizations like The Greater Boston Food Bank.

The Greater Boston Food Bank is incredibly thankful to all of our supporters throughout the year and we thank all who joined us at Partner Appreciation Day. If it were not for you we would not be able to do our work to end hunger here.