Yes they CAN

Canstruction is coming to the Valley. Beginning on March 5th and through the 11th, the public can view the ingenious creations of 12 teams, built entirely out of cans. Everything will be on display at CityScape in downtown Phoenix. Stop by and vote for the "People's Choice" Award. Afterwards, all the cans will be donated to St. Mary's Food Bank.

Help your Kids to Read While Helping St. Mary's

For the month of October, you can help donate food to St. Mary's by ordering the delightful children's book "Peas and Bananas Outside with Lil Boo". Visit http://www.booklocker.com/books/4479.html and order the book, and 4 cans of food will be donated to St. Mary's Food Bank.

Golf Balls for Charity . . . Join in on the Fun
On Sept. 24, the North Scottsdale C of C will be presenting its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Kierland Golf Course, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting St. Mary's. Among the highlights will be the "Helicopter Ball Drop", offering exciting prizes for a hole-in-one. For more info, and to register for the tourney or ball drop, visit www.northscottsdalechapter.org.

Child Hunger Increases in AZ, Now 3rd Worst in US

According to a recent study by the ConAgra Foods Foundation and Feeding America, food insecurity in children in Arizona is now at 24.2%, meaning that almost 1 in 4 children under 18 is effected; only Texas and Arkansas have higher percentages.The percentage in AZ increased 4% from the last report.

Nationwide, 18.9% of children under 18 now suffer some form of food insecurity.

The "Challenge" is Met . . . and St. Mary's Benefits

"The Biggest Loser" Pound for Pound Challenge is now history, and St. Mary's supporters more than met the challenge. A total of 2,571 supporters pledged 77,389 pounds, putting the Food Bank in 17th place among over 60 food banks entered. Those pledged pounds will earn $10,834 for the Food Bank.

Churches Step Up to Aid Local Food Banks

A coalition of Valley churches held a special Fathers Day food drive to fill the shelves of area food banks, including St. Mary's. New Life Community Church, Scottsdale Bible Church, and Christ's Church of the Valley collected the equivalent of 270,000 meals for the Food Bank. Even though they've helped to "Send Hunger Packing", many of the participants are planning another massive food drive in the Fall.

AMEX Helps Food Bank Provide for Emergency Food Boxes

While the local economy is still in recovery mode, the demand for EFBs this FY is up over 30%. American Express is helping to "Send Hunger Packing" by giving St. Mary's a $30,000 grant to be used for EFBs. The attached photo shows Christa Burkhalter presenting a check to St. Mary's CEO Terry Shannon.