Walk Against Hunger Celebration

Last evening, we celebrated the success of the 2012 Walk Against Hunger with a reception to recognize the corporate sponsors, team captains and top fundraisers for the event.  We also distributed checks to the many partner agencies who took part in the Walk and shared in the proceeds.

If you have not heard, this year's Walk Against Hunger raised over $602,000!  We could not have done it without all of the dedicated supporters - whether you walked or volunteered or sponsored the event or donated to someone who walked, you helped make this happen.

Special thanks to our sponsors:



Rebecca Kuzma, from the Hartford
was recognized for both the
company's contribution and her
own exceptional fundraising efforts.



The Hartford Financial Services Group returned for the 19^th year as the Presenting Sponsor.   Not only did they host the Walk in their brand new employee park, the company committed to matching $25,000 raised by their employees.  In total 34 Hartford employee teams raised more than $150,000!

Our Platinum Sponsor, the Chase Family Foundations of Hartford, issued the "Chase Challenge", matching the first 50 walkers to raise at least $600 for Foodshare. Now in its 13^th year, this challenge once again secured an additional $30,000 to support our hungry neighbors.  We recognized all of our Chase Challenge winners for exceptional fundraising accomplishments and extended special thanks to Cheryl Chase and her family for continuing to make this challenge possible.

Brian DuPerre, from United Healthcare,
was recognized for both the company's
sponsorship and his own exceptional
fundraising efforts.

Other remarkable sponsors included:

·         Our returning Diamond Sponsor, United Healthcare, not only provided a financial sponsorship but also brought an enthusiastic team of walkers.

·         Our returning Gold Sponsor, Webster Bank, who also brought a team of walkers.

·         Our Silver Level Sponsors: Aetna, Alstom Power, and the SBM Charitable Foundation.

·         And last, but certainly not least, our Bronze Level Sponsors included  Aldi,  Images Printing, McCarter & English, Price Waterhouse Coopers, ShopRite and Windsor Federal Savings.

We also recognized the City of Hartford and the Hartford Police Department for their support, in particular with our transition to a new Walk Route which resulted in such a huge success.



Gerry Waldo, from the Friendship
Service Center in New Britain,
accepts the check for their share
of the Walk proceeds.



Local food pantries, community kitchens, and other organizations who raised money at the Walk were also recognized for their contributions to the success of the event and were presented with checks for their share of the proceeds.

Aida Mansoor was recognized for
both her own fundraising efforts
and that of the Muslims Against
Hunger team.

Walkers who raised over $1,000 were recognized, as well as teams who raised over $1,000.

And, of course, there was cake!