(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Feb. 6, 2019 – The holiday season brought about another round of generous giving during the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Holiday Match Campaign. The drive raised more than $2.4 million thanks to Oklahomans and campaign partnersAPMEX.com, the Cresap Family Foundation and Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
“We are grateful that we can rely on the kindness of Oklahomans, and our amazing campaign partners, to help put food on the tables of our neighbors living with food insecurities,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.
Every dollar donated between Nov. 15 and Jan. 15 was matched, up to $600,000, thanks to the campaign partners. The donations help provide more than 14 million meals to chronically hungry children, seniors living on limited incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet.
“There is no greater need in our community than feeding a hungry child,” said William Buergler, Chesapeake senior vice president and member of the Regional Food Bank’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit Committee. “Thank you to our fellow Oklahomans who responded so generously, maximizing our corporate match to help our neighbors in need of food.”
The Regional Food Bank serves 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma. Of that area, 15 percent of the population lacks consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
“The issue of hunger is widespread in our state and affects countless families, children, seniors and veterans,” said John Cresap with the Cresap Family Foundation. “We are immensely proud to partner with the Regional Food Bank, Chesapeake Energy and APMEX.com and provide incentive for others to join the fight against hunger.”
Oklahoma is the sixth hungriest state in the nation. Last year, the Regional Food Bank distributed 50 million pounds of food in their service area.
“It is truly remarkable to see Oklahomans come together to help raise funds for the Regional Food Bank’s Holiday Match Campaign and the 2018 campaign was another big success,” said Scott Thomas, APMEX.com president. “Our community really stepped up and made a difference for thousands of Oklahomans who struggle with food insecurity. However, the need continues year-round and I hope this success encourages more of us to donate and volunteer because our efforts do make an impact.”
Join the fight to end hunger. To donate, visit rfbo.org/donate or call 405-600-3136.
