THE NEED

A recent study by Feeding America found that over 1,012,500 Virginians are considered "food insecure." This represents a 54% increase since 2006. A large number of these individuals are children, senior citizens, disabled adults, and the new face of hunger-individuals who have lost their jobs and are having problems making ends meet. Summertime is typically one of the most challenging times for food banks in Virginia, especially with the number of children who are out of school and do not have access to before and after school feeding programs.

 

THE RESPONSE

In response to this urgent need, Governor Bob McDonnell, The Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks joined efforts in 2012 to create the first Chamber of Commerce Challenge Food and Fund Drive-a food and fund drive competition among all Virginia Chambers of Commerce, their member businesses, and state government offices. In its first year, the Governor's Bowl collected the equivalent of more than 740,000 pounds of food and grocery products.

In this friendly competition, the Chamber or government office that raises the most pounds of food will be awarded a prestigious and highly coveted "Governor's Bowl" in the categories of small, medium, and large for Chamber offices and a special bowl for the top government office. As a new addition for 2013, there will be two awards per category, one for most pounds total, and one for most pounds per capita. This brings the total number of winners to 8, each of whom will receive a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl made by a Virginia potter.

 

For more information about the Governor's Bowl, click here.  

The musicianship of four students at Cooper and Longfellow middle schools, in McLean, was recognized by the Woman's Club of McLean at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 7, where the students also performed on their instruments. Katherine Quion, of Cooper Middle School, played Valse Triste, by Jean Sibelius, on the viola. Nancy Kurtic, also of Cooper Middle School, played excerpts from Chocolats, by Philippe Rose, on the trumpet. Jennifer Steele, of Longfellow Middle School, performed the Bassoon Concerto in F Major by Carl Maria von Weber, accompanied by music teacher Laura Marchisotto Bogart. Finally, violinist Minyoung Hwang, also of Longfellow, performed Czardas, by Vittorio Monti, accompanied by Ms. Marchisotto Bogart. The four students each received an award of $100 from the Woman's Club.