Dear Calvert County,
I am writing to thank you for the amazing year we have had at End Hunger In Calvert County had in 2013. Together, we helped feed over 10,000 needy people in Calvert County and hit an all time record by distributing over 1 MILLION pounds of food to families right here in our county.
We are humbled. And we understand that no one achieves anything of value on their own. This year has truly shown the value of partnerships and combined focus.
It is impossible to list the names all the people, organziations and partners that are at the core of the End Hunger effort. But please know that your names are known not only by us but by our Heavenly Father who sees all.
In many ways 2013 was a year of firsts for our cause.
In June we hosted our 1st Annual Dragon Boat Festival in North Beach. If you participated in this event, you remember what a huge success it was! Twenty teams raced throughout the day and over 2,000 spectators attended. During that first year, together we raised over $25,000 … all to help feed hungry families. The festival returns on June 22, 2014.
This fall we launched our first Culinary Training Program to get unemployed and underemployed people back to work. The eighteen students who made up our first graduating class held internships in local restaurants and most have already landed full-time positions. Our goal now is to offer the program four times in 2014, graduating a total of 80 students. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, visit endhungercalvert.org/works.
Additionaly, End Hunger In Calvert County received two major recognitions in 2013. We were voted Best Charity in Calvert County’s 2013 People’s Choice Awards. This recognition is most rewarding, because it came from you, our community. There are so many great charities in our county it’s an honor to be included alongside them.
Also, the Better Business Bureau recognized End Hunger In Calvert County as an Accredited Charity, awarding us it’s Wise Giving Designation for meeting all 20 Standards of Charitable Accountability. This certification means that when you donate to End Hunger In Calvert County you can do so with confidence.
Lastly, this year, we saw sports teams, businesses, and community groups engage and get involved with End Hunger In Calvert County like no other year. You have truly taken End Hunger and made it your own, finding creative ways to do what you love and making a difference while you do it. Together, we have improved the quality of life in Calvert.
On behalf of the entire End Hunger In Calvert County team, thank you for believing and embracing in the cause. Your work brings to life the #givewhereyoulive value and constantly affirms that at least in our corner of the world, hope is real and that the ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ attitude still lives.
It is a privilege to work alongside you and we are already gearing up for another unforgettable year together!
May God bless you and those you love,
Rev. Robert P. Hahn
CEO, End Hunger In Calvert County
#givewhereyoulive