- May 4, 2024
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John Farrow, Rich Gruenberg, and Gruenberg's Ausiedoodle Billy.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe walk begins at the Benderson Family Finish Tower.
Photo by Ian SwabyCampaign Against Summer Hunger co-chair Lisa Keverian-Press, All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank and campaign co-chair Clare Segall announce a matching challenge for the food bank at the March 2023 fundraising campaign.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe walk proceeds alongside Cattlemen Road.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe 1-mile turnaround point was staffed by 12-year-old Emory Frandsen, Kim Allen, 16-year-old Reese Allen, and Kelly Fitzgerald of National Charity League.
Photo by Ian SwabyBob and DD Goerke
Photo by Ian SwabyParticipants arrive on the morning of March 26.
Photo by Ian SwabyBlair and Kim McFarlane prepare for the walk.
Photo by Ian SwabyVolunteer Michele Lipman offers food to Rachel Martin
Photo by Ian SwabyCharles Sweigard walked with Beau, a Labradoodle, while David Sweigard walked with Tula, a hound mix.
Photo by Ian SwabyCharlie Moone, 4-year-old Logan Moone, 2-year-old Peyton Moone, and Nikki Moone prepare for the walk.
Photo by Ian SwabyAll Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank speaks before the walk.
Photo by Ian SwabyCampaign Against Summer Hunger co-chairs Lisa Keverian-Press and Clare Segall address the crowd.
Photo by Ian SwabyAll Faiths Food Bank board members Lashawn Frost and Patricia Courtois participate in a session of stretching led by Eric Hoskins of CORE SRQ.
Photo by Ian SwabyTodd Griffie, Melanie Jendreski, Michele Heaven, and Peggy Cox cross the bridge during the walk.
Photo by Ian Swaby3-year-old Gracie Littlefield and Jenny Littlefield participate in the walk.
Photo by Ian SwabyTed and Belle Probst
Photo by Ian SwabyVolunteer Miranda Gill assists Patti Wertheimer and Nelle Miller.
Photo by Ian SwabyJason Scott, 13-year-old Chase Scott, and 12-year-old Cade Scott
Photo by Ian Swaby
Volunteers Tatiana Duarte, Haylee Boyer, Nhi Huynh, Miranda Gill, Yenny Zanabria, and Dante Benevento assist Edward Zawacki.
Photo by Ian SwabyNancee Niemiec, Barbara Kaminsky, Ruta Bukauskas, and Marilynn Shelley.
Photo by Ian SwabyGeralde Mack provides a wristband to Joan Hartmann.
Photo by Ian SwabySandra McCray receives a wristband from volunteer Leslie Franczek.
Photo by Ian SwabyJohn Choy and Vab Kumar
Photo by Ian SwabyMartha Britt, Dawn Ramon, and Linda Kirby.
Photo by Ian SwabyWalkers await the start of the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyAll Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank said residents of Sarasota are often surprised to learn the high levels at which hunger occurs in the community. Frank said about 50% of children in Sarasota lack access to food during the summer months.
“It’s a shocking number — almost half of kids,” she said. “Looking out over the gorgeous day, it’s hard to realize almost half of the kids in schools, need free and reduced-price lunches.”
This is why it was important for the food bank to launch the 10th anniversary of its Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which lasts from April 1 to May 15, with an event that would draw in many members of the community.
The food bank once again hosted its Walk to End Summer Hunger at Nathan Benderson Park on Sunday, which included a complimentary breakfast and the options of a 1-mile and a 5K walk.
Chief Development Officer Denise Cotler said last year, as a result of the campaign, the bank was able to feed over 35,000 children over the summer and hopes to do so again. A matching challenge for $900,000 announced at the walk will help contribute toward that goal.
Attendees said they were there for the cause, as well as the experience and community offered by the walk.
“Sarasota is one of the richest areas. It’s a shame that anyone should have to go hungry,” said Peggy Jendreski. “It breaks my heart.”
Barbara Kaminsky said as a result of working at Ashton Elementary, she sees a high number of children who are on free or reduced lunches, which encouraged her to come to the walk for a second time.
Nancee Niemiec praised the whole experience.
“It was my first time, and won’t be my last,” she said. “I would definitely support this again.”
She said the breakfast items on offer were “delicious,” while her fellow attendees were “very, very nice.”
