The Utah Biden/Harris Inauguration Day of Service Committee celebrates Martin Luther King Day by raising funds for Utah Food Bank. As of Thursday afternoon, more than $23,000 has been raised, including $10,000 from Kem and Carolyn Gardner.
Over 50 donors in contributions from $25 to $5,000 have contributed to the fundraiser. Kem and Carolyn Garnder pledged $10,000 to match public donations to the fund. The match was earned in under 48 hours. Through the inauguration on January 20, 2021, readers can go to UtahMLKday.com to see who has already donated and to give.
Former Senate Minority Leader Scott Howell led the Utah for Biden campaign. “As one who loves his country and is proud to be a Utahn, I am excited to turn over a new leaf with the new administration,” he says. “Feeding the hungry is a great place to start.”
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on vulnerable Utah families,” says Co-Chair Devin Thorpe. “The number of Utahns facing hunger has increased from 374,000 to 511,000 as a result of COVID-19. The need is urgent.”
“As a Republican, I believe that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris manifest Utah-style kindness that will heal the divisions that threaten our democracy,” Co-Chair Elna Hamp says. “Raising money for Utah Food Bank is something all Utahns can support. I hope it will bring us together.”
For over 117 years, Utah Food Bank has stayed true to its objective of serving those in need throughout the state. It works with community partners and volunteers to continue making an impact and fulfilling its mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide.
Utah Food Bank distributes food free-of-charge via a statewide network of 203 partner agencies located in all 29 counties, along with several direct service programs aimed at helping the most vulnerable populations in our state – children and seniors. Combining these direct service programs with its emergency food assistance services truly impacts the lives of Utahns who live in a world of food insecurity.
The Utah Biden/Harris Inauguration Day of Service Committee partnered with the Utah Democratic Party and the Pioneer Park Coalition to raise funds.
The late Reverend Martin Luther King preached the importance of community service and famously said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Raising money for Utah Food Bank is an effective way to honor his legacy on the day Utahns celebrate his work, Monday, January 18, 2021.
