Every year, Bread for the World hosts the annual Gala to End Hunger in New York City – its signature fundraising event.
It’s an evening in which many of Bread’s most ardent supporters gather to reconnect and learn about the progress being made to end hunger and the advocacy challenges ahead. This year’s event held special significance as it was the first time in two years that supporters were able to gather in person due to COVID-19.
Bread’s president, Rev. Eugene Cho, served as the keynote speaker delivering inspiring remarks and reminding guests to take advantage of their Chance for Change, this year’s theme. Some of the highlights from his remarks included mention of:
- Food being one of the greatest expressions of love.
- Defeating hunger is one of the greatest ways someone can care and dignify and amplify our neighbors (community).
- Love is persistence. Love keeps showing up. This chance for change requires commitment. We have a chance for dramatic change in our nation and in our world today.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Rev. Art Simon Award for Faithful Service to End Hunger. The recipients this year were Joe and Mary Martingale. The Martingales have been Bread members for four decades, working faithfully to end hunger with their giving, advocacy, and tireless efforts in propelling the work of Bread.
“We know God’s favorite people are poor, hungry, homeless,” said Joe Martingale, in accepting the award.“ The way we are going to be judged as to whether we are going to be able to enter God’s Kingdom is how we treated those people.”
Bread doesn’t work alone in trying to end hunger. This year’s Gala highlighted the importance of key partners such as the Religious Action Center of Reformed Judaism, also known as RAC. RAC has worked alongside Bread to advocate for robust funding of international humanitarian and development assistance.
Ryan Quinn, deputy director of government relations at Bread, and Shayna Han, an Eisendrath legislative assistant at RAC, both gave remarks during the Gala.
Bread works every day to ensure people –especially those struggling the most –are able to access the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.
For those who attended theGala –thank you! Your financial support will allow us to do our faithful work of advocating together on Capitol Hill. If you weren’t at the Gala, the chance for change is always available. Your giving makes defeating hunger and providing nutrition possible!
The Gala to End Hunger was an evening we won’t soon forget, and Bread is already hard at work dreaming about the 2023 Gala. We hope you’ll join us!
