The organization’s 30th anniversary celebration was held on March 22 at Harvest Church.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 10:27 p.m. March 22, 2017
Sarasota
Neighbors
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Community leaders and philanthropic supporters came together March 22 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program.
Since it was founded by former Sarasota Mayor Fredd “Glossie” Atkins in 1987, the organization has collected and distributed over 200 tons of food and given over $2,000,000 in food gift cards to hungry residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The anniversary event began with opening remarks from Master of Ceremonies Scott Denis of ABC-7 News and Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Chairman Joel Swallow, a prayer and blessing from Pastor Dan Minor and Rabbi Howard Simon and a performance by singer Sheaquess Mapps and keyboardist Sheldon Graham.
Guests then enjoyed their Sonny’s BBQ lunch — with dessert provided by Der Dutchman Restaurant — before perusing the silent auction table, which included items ranging from a jersey autographed by Tampa Bay Lightning player Anton Stralman to a two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
After lunch, guests enjoyed another performance by Mapps before listening to keynote speaker Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells.
Beav Oz, Mark Reina, Sam Samanowitz, Anthony Baldo, Nicole Parker and Dave Sharp
Wendy Bodner and Bill Hess
Master of Ceremonies Scott Dennis welcomes guests at the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry 30th Anniversary Celebration on March 22 at Harvest Church.
Ed DeMarco and Charlene Altenhain
Don Carlos Tolentino and Father Celestino Gutierrez
Keyboardist Sheldon Graham and singer Sheaquess Mapps perform at the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry 30th Anniversary Celebration on March 22 at Harvest Church.
Palmetto Chief of Police Scott Tyler, event organizer Shirley Pearson and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells
Vannesa Poole and Erin Cigich
Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Chairman Joel Swallow gives his opening remarks at the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry 30th Anniversary Celebration on March 22 at Harvest Church.
Luke Graham, Hanna Crowder, Stan Thurman and Judy Cross
Shelia and Fred Atkins, founder of Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program
Singer Sheaquess Mapps performs at the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry 30th Anniversary Celebration on March 22 at Harvest Church.
Amy Dove and Betsy Plante
Gail Snyder and Ed Hashey
Der Dutchman Restaurant provided pie for dessert at the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry 30th Anniversary Celebration on March 22 at Harvest Church.
Mollie Cardamone and Jon Thaxton
Charles Whitfield, Leticia Veliz, Uganda Harris, Lucy Dela Cruz, Margarita Velasquez, Livia Leyva and Dora Amaro
Keyboardist Sheldon Graham performs at the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry 30th Anniversary Celebration on March 22 at Harvest Church.
Heather Darling, Melinda Sanchez and Robyn Robertson
