Awards $65,000 to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry
Indianapolis – First Lady Karen Pence today hosted the second annual fundraising luncheon to support the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation, which strives to support and recognize communities and organizations that promote the well-being of Hoosier children and their families.
“We started the Foundation to shine a light on the people and organizations that are working every day to benefit our children and Hoosier families. Our hope is that by promoting these organizations, we can help them further their efforts and reach more families across Indiana,†said First Lady Karen Pence.
“The First Lady’s Luncheon is a culmination of our efforts and serves as the primary fundraising event for the Foundation,†said the First Lady. “I am so pleased and honored that Judy O’Bannon, former First Lady of Indiana, was able to be a part of this special day.â€
The First Lady’s Luncheon, “Hoosier Home Grown,†held at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis, was attended by more than 600 people, including statewide elected officials, Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell State Auditor Suzanne Crouch, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz.
“This event and the fundraising success we have had with the Foundation is a testament to the hard work and the amazing talents of my board of directors who guide our efforts at the Foundation. I especially want to thank the committee of women who planned the luncheon and made this dream a reality,†said the First Lady.
The luncheon was filled with many surprises for guests, including entertainment provided by 6th Season Winner of The Voice, Josh Kaufman, and a check presentation to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. First Lady Karen Pence presented a check to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry in the amount of $65,000 to Emily Weikert Bryant, the organization’s Executive Director. Mrs. Pence will be donating potted flowers from the luncheon to Indiana FFA as well as Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
“I’m thrilled to be working with this important Hoosier charity, and I’m so thankful for the work of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry in the lives of Hoosiers across the state,†said First Lady Karen Pence. “On behalf of the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation’s Board and Luncheon Committee, we are extremely thankful for the generous hearts of today’s sponsors and attendees that make it possible to present the major grant award of $65,000 to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. I am confident they will continue to touch and bless many Hoosier children and families.â€
“We are so grateful for the support and work of First Lady Karen Pence toward ending hunger in Indiana,†said Emily Weikert Bryant, Executive Director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. “With the help of the First Lady’s Charitable Foundation our network will be better able to serve the more than 1.1 million Hoosiers who rely on food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other programs so that hard working Hoosier families, seniors and children have enough food on their tables to live a healthy and productive life.â€
Each year the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation selects a different charity as a major grant recipient to highlight at the First Lady’s Luncheon. The Foundation also awards smaller grants throughout the year.
“We are very excited to soon begin announcing the recipients of our grants for 2015. There are so many worthwhile organizations doing wonderful work across Indiana. In 2014, we were thrilled to award grants to 83 organizations and charities across Indiana impacting 68 counties. It was an honor and a pleasure to be able to support them and to share their good stories through the Foundation,†the First Lady said.
Photos from today’s event can be found attached.
About the First Lady’s Luncheon
The Indiana First Lady’s Luncheon, which serves as the primary fundraiser for the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation, is modeled after the U.S. First Lady’s Luncheon held every year in Washington, D.C. and includes similar features, such as a surprise guest entertainer, center pieces, linens and bags made specifically for the event, and a showing of bipartisan support.
Luncheon co-chairs Patti Coons and Jennifer Ping hope the First Lady’s Luncheon will become a valued tradition for Indiana for many years to come. Indiana is the only state to have a First Lady’s Luncheon. Planning for next year’s event, which is expected to take place in March, is already underway.  Grant applications may be submitted atIndianaFirstLadysCharitableFoundation.org/Apply-for-Grant.
The Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation is a 501( c )(3). The First Lady receives no compensation. Donations are tax deductible. Learn more about how to make a donation or request a grant on the Foundation’s website at: www.IndianaFirstLadysCharitableFoundation.org.​
About Feeding Indiana’s Hungry
Feeding Indiana’s Hungry serves 11 member food banks serving all 92 counties across the State. Their mission and service to Indiana makes them the perfect 2015 major grant recipient. (FIsH) is a proud member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, by becoming a Partner State Association.
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