|
Registration Update: 200 Organizations Strong, and Headed for 300!
We are thrilled to announce that Operation Feed has hit the 200-organization mark. Last year's campaign ended with 200 groups, making this a very significant milestone so early in the drive. Momentum is growing, and we're shooting for 300 organizations working together in our community-wide effort to fight hunger. A special thank you to all the groups who have pledged to help. Together, we're on our way to raising 5 million meals for neighbors in need!
 Visit Operation Feed's web pages for an up-to-date scrolling list of all organizations on board this year. Do you notice a peer company, vendor or neighbor organization who's missing? Encourage them to join Operation Feed 2011! Completing a short online registration form is all it takes to get started. When everyone does a little, the Foodbank can do a lot! |
Second Round of Training & Information Sessions Begins Next Week
The first round of Campaign Coordinator training was a great success, with over 120 attending (click here to see photos).
A second round of sessions is scheduled for next week:
- Tuesday, April 12, 3-4:30 p.m.,
- Wednesday, April 13, 12:30-2 p.m.,
- Thursday, April 14, 8:30-10 a.m.
Join us at the Foodbank to learn about Operation Feed and gather strategies for holding a successful drive. Food collection boxes and print materials for your meal-raising efforts will be available, and there will be opportunities to network and share ideas with Coordinators from organizations across the community. |
Is Your Leadership On Board with Operation Feed?
Getting leaders involved is a fundamental component of an effective campaign. Experienced coordinators have identified four key strategies for engaging and inspiring their leaders to support Operation Feed: - Give them information. Educate leadership about the issue of hunger, Mid-Ohio Foodbank's work, impact of donations, and how participating can benefit your organization.
- Invite them to be actively involved. Share campaign plans openly. Encourage leaders to be visible. Invite them to address associates at activities or send an all-employee communication. Ask them to donate prizes/auction items, set aside time at staff meetings to talk about Operation Feed, or accompany a team to the Foodbank to volunteer. "Executive embarrassment" tactics like pie-in-the face or a dunk tank are always a hit, too! Show them how their example can influence others to get involved.
- Leverage peer pressure. Show what competitors are doing in the community. Convince them that the list of Operation Feed participating organizations is one they want to be on. Organize a peer-to-peer meeting with leaders from another participating organization (Operation Feed staff can help!).
- Tell them support is available. Operation Feed offers quick and easy activity suggestions, and the Virtual Food Drive requires little work to organize. Awards and acknowledgment will also help promote stewardship efforts in the larger community.
Meet with officers or office heads. Tell them you need their help. Their leadership will help make your campaign a success!
|
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Cakes for a Cause
 The 2010 recipient of Operation Feed's Outstanding New Campaign award, Cakes for a Cause, has exceeded its meal-raising goals once again! Cakes for a Cause was created when bridal consultant, Kasey Skobel-Conyers, and event planner, Emilie Duncan, were inspired to host a charity event together. Since the pair feels that food is such a critical aspect of their events, Operation Feed was the perfect fit when looking for a beneficiary.
Cakes for a Cause kicked off this year's Operation Feed campaign on March 1. The event featured a live and silent auction with delicious treats donated by central Ohio bakeries and restaurants, as well as hotel stays, massage packages, and more. Food was provided by Cameron Mitchell Catering, Made from Scratch, Two Caterers and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Monica Day from NBC4 was the emcee for the evening in Mid-Ohio Foodbank's Community Room, and attendees enjoyed a special appearance from Brutus Buckeye!
The Sweet Victory competition was a new addition this year, which gave local bakers the chance to showcase their talents and compete for the Golden Spatula award. Attendees voted for their favorite treats, and the winner, Diva Desserts, was presented the Golden Spatula by Jeni Britton Bauer from Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream.
In one night, Cakes for a Cause raised 16,000 meals - enough to feed 14 people every meal for one year - which far exceeded their goal of 10,000 meals! In 2010, the event raised more than 9,600 meals. Visit (614) Magazine to see photos from the evening. Thank you, Cakes for a Cause, for your continuing sweet contributions to Operation Feed! |
Banners Can Help Promote Your Event
Borrowing a banner is a great way to raise awareness of your Operation Feed event. Vinyl banners are 6ft x 2.5ft and can be reserved for a short time to display in conjunction with a campaign activity. A limited supply are available, so be sure to place your request early!
Request these and other materials--including Coordinator Tool Kits, tri-fold brochures, post cards, posters & food collection boxes--by visiting Operation Feed's Campaign Coordinator Resources page. |
Goal Setting Update
Be on the lookout for your goal setting worksheet! Historical campaign data and suggested goals for 2011 will be emailed to Coordinators later this week. This information is provided to assist you and your leadership team with setting a goal for your organization's drive. We encourage you to use goal setting as tool for motivating employee participation, actively engaging leadership in the Operation Feed effort, showcasing campaign results and encouraging friendly competition inside and between organizations. Groups that successfully reach suggested goals are designated as "benchmark level contributors" and receive special recognition at the Campaign Finale and on Mid-Ohio Foodbank's web site. For questions about your goal, contact a member of the Operation Feed team. |
Support Operation Feed This Spring
Duel at Darby Duathlon (April 10)  Are the runners and cyclists in your organization chomping at the bit to get outside and compete? Encourage them to participate in the first duathlon of the season in Hilliard at the Duel at Darby Duathlon, 5K & 10K. The event is set up in short loops, designed to appeal to those of all fitness levels. And it will support Operation Feed! Anyone bringing a canned good donation will be entered into a prize drawing, and pancake breakfast proceeds will support families in need, too. To learn more, visit eventsplusracing.com/.
Max and Erma's Dine Out Promotion (April 13 and 14)  Visit hometown favorite Max & Erma's for a great meal and a great cause! Columbus area locations (not valid at Crowne Plaza) are helping to feed the hungry in our community when you dine with them Wed., April 13, or Thur., April 14. Just present this special ticket (or mention Operation Feed) and 20% of your lunch, happy hour, dinner or carryout sales will be donated back to Operation Feed. Visit www.maxandermas.com for locations and menus.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Promotion (April 16)  The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is teaming up with Mid-Ohio Foodbank to hold a food drive at Nationwide Arena on Sunday, April 16, from 10 a.m. - noon for Operation Feed. Each individual who donates 10 canned goods will receive one free ticket voucher to see one of the seven upcoming BARNUM 200SM performances at Nationwide Arena between May 12-15. There will be a limit of two ticket vouchers per family, and 400 total vouchers will be distributed. Show Times are: Thursday & Friday, May 12 - 13, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 14, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 15, at 12:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.ringling.com.
Jen Chapin Trio Concert (April 20)  Enjoy a night out and feed 20 people! The Jen Chapin Trio will perform on Wednesday, April 20, at The Bluestone. Tickets are $15, but the Foodbank is selling them for a limited time for only $10, with 100% of sales benefiting Operation Feed. To order these special tickets, please call 614-274-7770 or email operationfeed@midohiofoodbank.org with "Jen Chapin tickets" in the subject line. Jen Chapin mixes jazz and urban folk with the funk and soul of the city to create music that searches for community and shared meaning. To learn more about Jen and listen to her music before the show, visit www.jenchapin.com.
Uno Chicago Grill - Doughraisers (May 8)
 Uno's will offer a tasty way to raise "dough" for Operation Feed this spring. On Sunday, May 8 - Mother's Day - visit the Dublin location for the second of two "doughraiser" days. Just present this coupon, and Uno's will donate up to 20% of your check (dine-in or takeout included) to Operation Feed! Round up a group to celebrate the moms in your life, and go for lunch or dinner to raise meals for families in need. Kowalski Chiropractic Chair Massage Fundraiser (Ongoing)  Kowalski Chiropractic offers a unique way to help your campaign raise meals! They'll send therapists to your organization for chair massage sessions which you can "sell" to associates to benefit Operation Feed. Massage rates are $1 per minute. One therapist can raise $60 per hour; in four hours, two Licensed Massage Therapists can raise $480! Limit 1 visit per organization; 2 hour minimum. Each massage lasts 10 - 20 minutes. Therapists handle no money. Sign-up and collection of charges is coordinated by participating organization. For more information or to schedule, contact Jonny Lifeson, LMT, at kowalskichiro@gmail.com or visit www.kowalskichiropractic.com.
MyCuteJewels Promotion (Ongoing)  MyCuteJewels.com wants to do its part to fight hunger. Visit www.MyCuteJewels.com and 10% of your total purchase will be donated to Operation Feed. This promotion runs through June! Help feed the hungry while getting something nice. It is a win win. Enter coupon code "MOFBFeedsOhio10" at checkout.
Additional Events and Promotions To learn about upcoming events and promotions, you can always visit the Foodbank's Events page at www.midohiofoodbank.org/news-events/events.
|
Key Campaign Dates
- Ongoing Workplace/Organizational Campaigns - March-June
- Columbus Blue Jackets Fundraiser - Saturday, April 9
- Coordinator Training (Session D) - Tuesday, April 12
- Coordinator Training (Session E) - Wednesday, April 13
- Coordinator Training (Session F) - Thursday, April 14
- Max & Erma's Citywide Dine Out Days - Wednesday-Thursday, April 13-14
- Uno Chicago Grille "Doughraiser" (Tuttle Crossing Location) - Sunday, May 8
- Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive - Saturday, May 14
- Central Ohio Restaurant Assn.'s Foodfight--eat out to fight hunger - Tuesday, June 21
- Official End of the Campaign - Thursday, June 30
- Campaign Finale - TBA (August/September)
Stay tuned for additional dates to be announced in the coming weeks! |
Next Steps
- Sign-up for a Campaign Coordinator Training and Information Session.
- Engage your leaders in the Operation Feed effort.
- Check out new materials and resources available to support your drive.
- Learn how goal setting can enhance your campaign.
- Talk about Operation Feed with your friends, colleagues, neighbors ... and encourage them to get involved.
- Get ready to rally your associates for an outstanding 2011 Campaign!
|
|
