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.

Help "Stamp Out Hunger" on May 8
This Saturday the National Association of Letter Carriers is holding their annual food drive. They'll be collecting non-perishable food for donation to area food banks. Leave your donation at you local mailbox that morning and the postman will do the rest. Last year's drive generated over 400,000 pounds for St. Mary's, just in time for Summer, our period of greatest need.

State's Effort to Cut Access to Health Care Could Cost Billions
In an effort to reduce the State's deficit, the Republican-dominated Legislature has reduced or eliminated health insurance for over 300,000 low-income residents. But those measures have apparently run afoul of new rules in the just-signed health reform bill. Unless the reductions are reversed, Arizona could lose almost $7 billion in Federal funds. For more information on this, visit http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/03/23/20100323kids-care-cost-arizona-billions.html.