Naples, Fla. — September 19, 2017 — Pan-Florida Challenge announced the launch of the $50K Hungry Kid Challenge to feed Florida children left starving in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Naples-based La Colmar Bakery & Bistro will match, dollar-for-dollar, all donations up to $25,000. With $50,000 raised, Pan-Florida Challenge will be able to provide 130,000 meals for hungry kids. While many charities are asking for donations for hurricane relief, Pan-Florida Challenge is uniquely poised on the ground where the need is greatest with the ability to get food quickly to children in dire need.
“Schools have been closed for nearly two weeks meaning many children are starving,” said Ed Mullen, Pan-Florida Challenge Founder and Chairman. “They’ve missed eating nutritious breakfasts and lunches at schools. We need to get food to these kids fast!”
“The landscape through large swaths of Florida is devastated. Many homes, even those that survived category five winds, sustained damage and are still without electricity,” said Jeri Goetz, Executive Director at Pan-Florida Challenge. “With businesses shuttered or gone, many people have missed work and may not have jobs to return to. We’ve seen families digging through dumpsters looking for food. We’ve seen long lines for gas, ice, food, and other basic necessities for those who can afford them.”
Ana Brendel, co-owner of La Colmar Bakery & Bistro said, “In the month since we opened La Colmar, we’ve seen the devastation of Hurricane Irma — on our families and community. Working with Pan-Florida Challenge, we see first-hand the positive impact they have on children. We’re excited to support Pan-Florida Challenge and to provide this matching gift to feed hungry children in this time of great need.”
A truckload of Pan-Florida Challenge Power Packs are being delivered beginning today to kids who need them most. Power Packs contain 13 meal offerings of shelf stable food. To support the $50k Hungry Kid Challenge, visit www.panfloridachallenge.org.
