Striking Against Hunger: How Bowling for Bread Bolsters Boca Helping Hands' Mission
Charity AceBoca Helping Hands' annual Bowling for Bread event not only provided a delightful afternoon of bowling for children from local charities but also significantly supported the organization's Backpacks Weekend Meal Program. This initiative ensures that food-insecure students do not go hungry over the weekend, highlighting the community's collective effort in nurturing the well-being of its young members.
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TLDRQuick Summary for Different Perspectives
- Boca Helping Hands' Bowling for Bread event leverages community engagement to fund weekend meal programs, offering a competitive edge in nonprofit fundraising.
- The Bowling for Bread event by Boca Helping Hands supports their Backpacks program by raising funds through a partnership with local charities and businesses.
- Through fun and community support, Boca Helping Hands' event ensures food-insecure students receive meals on weekends, making a tangible difference in children's lives.
- Bowling for Bread combines fun with philanthropy, allowing participants to bowl while helping feed over 1,381 students every weekend.
A Community United for a Noble Cause
On August 24, at Lucky Strike in Boca Raton, a remarkable event unfolded that epitomized the power of community and compassion. Boca Helping Hands (BHH), a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families seeking to improve their quality of life, hosted its annual Bowling for Bread event. This gathering was not just an ordinary afternoon of leisure and enjoyment; it was a concerted effort to tackle food insecurity among students during weekends through the BHH Backpacks program.
Children from various local charities, including 4KIDS of South Florida, Inc., Achievement Centers for Children & Families, and Boys & Girls Club of Boca Raton, among others, were invited to partake in this joyous occasion at no cost. This event underscores the principle that every child deserves moments of joy and the basic necessity of sufficient nutrition.
The Backbone of the Event: BHH Backpacks Program
For the past 14 years, the BHH Backpacks program has been a cornerstone of Boca Helping Hands' efforts to combat food insecurity among school-aged children. By providing non-perishable, easily prepared meals every Friday, the program ensures that over 1,381 students across 15 local schools have enough to eat over the weekend. In the 2024-25 school year alone, this initiative distributed 36,853 weekend meal boxes and 73,506 snacks to elementary students in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach.
The success of the Bowling for Bread event directly contributes to this noble cause, enabling BHH to extend its reach and support to more children in need.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
Bowling for Bread is a highlight of the Boca Chamber Festival Days, a series of events designed to foster a sense of community while raising awareness and funds for local nonprofit organizations. Through its collaboration with the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Boca Helping Hands pairs with for-profit members to amplify its impact. This year, Ovation Home Insurance Exchange stepped up as the For-Profit Chamber Partner, with the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation leading as the Event Sponsor.
The involvement of major sponsors like the Gary Peters Family Foundation, and Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida, further exemplifies the community's collective effort to ensure the success of such a pivotal event.
A Legacy of Compassion
Lee Steinberg, a trustee of the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation, shared his heartfelt motivation for supporting Bowling for Bread, inspired by his mother Pearl's love for children's causes. This event, now in its 14th year under the foundation's sponsorship, stands as a living tribute to Pearl's legacy, embodying the spirit of giving and community service.
For those wishing to learn more about Boca Helping Hands or to contribute to its mission, details are available at BocaHelpingHands.org. Inquiries can be directed to Karen Swedenborg at 561-417-0913, ext. 202, or via email at Karen@BocaHelpingHands.org.
The Mark of Excellence
Boca Helping Hands not only stands out for its remarkable initiatives like the BHH Backpacks program but also for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective nonprofit management. Accredited for Sound Nonprofit Management by Nonprofits First, awarded a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, and recognized as a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity for 17 consecutive years, BHH exemplifies the highest standards of nonprofit excellence.
As a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way since 1945, Boca Helping Hands continues to forge strong communities throughout Palm Beach County, focusing on education, health, and financial stability. Its dedication to improving lives and building financial stability is a testament to the enduring power of community support and philanthropy.
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