With only two days left, the House of Bread is looking to break a fundraising record during its fourth annual Blue Hearts Campaign.
Executive Director Melodie Bennett says this year’s fundraiser is unlike others of the past.
“What’s fantastic about this year is that we have a good friend to us, a donor, who said ‘Hey, I’m in a pretty good position in life and I’m really fortunate that I’m in a spot where I can give back, and so I will match all of the donations that are made.’”
Bennett continues, “I said you know that could be $4,000 or $8,000, and she said ‘I have no limit of what I can do for you during this four day campaign.’”
As of yesterday afternoon the total amount raised was just over $3,800. Bennett says the most money raised during any Blue Hearts Campaign is $8,000. With the fundraiser running until Sunday, and the guarantee that all contributions will be matched, the organization could see it’s best Valentine’s Day yet.
House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen located on Dayton’s west side, is unlike any other area charitable organization addressing hunger in the Miami Valley. Volunteers and staff serve a “hot, nutritious, lunchtime meal” to anyone in need, 365 days a year. In the first five weeks of 2016, the kitchen served over 10,000 meals.
Bennett says the February campaign began in an effort to fund the kitchens needs during the winter months after a peak of donations around Christmas.
“We designed it [The Blue Hearts Campaign] around Valentine’s Day because we find that a lot of people think about us at Christmastime, but come February or March, even a little into April, we’re not on top of mind for people,” Bennett says.
While the non-profit receives private and corporate food donations, the costs of operation are covered mostly through fundraising events like this one.
Bennett explains how the House of Bread is no different than any other house. “Think about your house and all the expenses you incur in its daily operation. When it comes to keeping the lights on, when it comes to hot water so you can wash dishes, when it comes to having electricity and or gas so that your home is heated in the winter. The House of Bread has all the expenses that you have of operating your home just on a much larger scale.”
To give online, click here for the House of Bread website.
