Thank you for providing a summer of hope

Dear Food Bankers and Food Bank lovers,

THANK YOU! We are intensely grateful for your generosity and spirit. Each year, the Swamp Sistas rally and raise money to help feed kids whose families struggle with hunger, especially over the summer months. Members of our group who work in underserved communities have a heightened awareness of this critical problem, and we’re determined to fill the hunger gap that summer exacerbates for thousands of kids in Central Florida.

Typically, we gather in person with our ‘Swamp Sistas La La,’ a daylong musical giving fest. It’s always wonderful to see friends, sway to the music, nosh and sip, then “chip in what you can” for this important cause. This year, we resorted to making our ‘ask’ for donations exclusively online, with a virtual fundraiser. We challenged some members to create selfie videos, completing the phrase “My hope for kids is…” Each was happy to comply and spent considerable time and effort on their video. They shared thought-provoking stories, and it’s moving to see such passion in all of the videos! We shared them on our Facebook video page for some feel-good inspiration. Check them out!

We are always honored to partner with Second Harvest because not only do they quickly convert the money we raise into such nutritious meals for kids and their families, they make sure it’s distributed with kindness, dignity, and grace. We’ve heard many heart-warming stories about their impact. Bunky Garrabrant from The Big Potato Foundation in Apopka tells us, “These meals are carefully prepared, fresh, and nutritious, and they make all the difference in the world to these families!” Educator Suzie Caffery works with children and families in Bithlo, and she describes, “Seeing the Second Harvest truck pull up in front of our school is a bright moment in our day. We know good food, a friendly ‘hello,’ and helpful hands have just arrived!”

That’s making a difference in children’s physical AND emotional lives and it’s a big, big deal!

This year was our 6th annual Summer Hope for Kids campaign, and it resulted in the most we’ve ever raised. Our expectations were blown right out of the water, and it was your generosity that put us over the top. Thanks for stepping up!

Beth McKee, president and founder
Swamp Sistas La La Foundation

Swamp Sistas La La Foundation 501(c)3 is a rapidly expanding grassroots movement, dedicated to community service and supporting women in the arts. Last week, its “Summer Hope for Kids” campaign raised over $82,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, generating 328,000+ meals.