FIND Food Bank celebrates 35 years of service
FIND Food Bank is celebrating their 35th anniversary. They have fed millions of hungry families across the Coachella Valley. The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians hosted the anniversary event at the Fantasy Springs Hotel free of charge and additionally donated $35,000 dollars to the Food Bank in honor of the impact they’ve had on so many lives.
“Every month we serve on average 85,000 people. From kids, to community members that are in need of food assistance…both working class, homeless, seniors. In fact, we serve over 16,000 seniors every month,” said FIND Food Bank’s President and CEO Debbie Espinosa.
Guests at the event enjoyed live jazz, food, celebratory speeches and panoramic views in Fantasy Springs’ newly renovated “Twelve Lounge” — many of them generously donating to the cause.
“The tribe is so generous and FIND food bank is so generous, and they just wanted a simple event. We wanted to say ‘thank you’ for everything they’ve done,” said Paul Mackey, the executive director for the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Tribal Government.
Every dollar donated to FIND food bank equals seven meals for the community they serve. And their reach extends across the valley: they partner with and provide food for over 100 other charitable organizations such as Martha’s Village and Well in the Desert.
“The food bank itself is the only real food bank in this area and they supply food for all the other agencies,” explained Mackey.
According to tribe representatives, the relationship between tribal government and the Food Bank was built on a long-standing sacred philosophy: “The tribe has a philosophy and a custom and tradition. If you come to our reservation as our guest, it’s not an obligation…it’s our joy to make sure you eat,” said Mackey.
Deborah McGarrey, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for FIND Food Bank added, “This is their land. And being able to go ahead and give back when they’re able to give back means so much to them. They said too many times some of us have been recipients…so how is it that we could give back?”
If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation to FIND food bank in honor of their 35th anniversary, click here.
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