March 2013

This March Lakeview Pantry will 'Spring into Action,' and we encourage you to join us!

In this month's e-newsletter we spotlight three very different types of actions that have benefited the Pantry.

 

We found inspiration in the saying 'Spring into Action,' following the lead of Bottle and Bottega, a pop-up art studio here in Lakeview. Not only is Bottle and Bottega hosting a 'Spring into Action' food drive for the Pantry throughout the entire month of March, but they have also previously hosted fundraising events for Lakeview Pantry, demonstrating the many different ways one organization can aid in our efforts. To learn more about their contributions, see our events wrap-up below.

 

As we Spring into Action this March, we want to thank those that have already helped the Pantry. The stories below spotlight two very different gifts: one is a substantial monetary endowment and the other is a single CTA pass. As these stories show, donations to the Pantry take many different forms, yet they all reveal the spirit of generosity from those who take the time to give.

 

If you would like to contribute in a new and unique way, we have updated our website to include alternative ways and actions that you can contribute to the Pantry. It includes non-food items such as trash bags, handyman services, or gas cards for our two vans. If you have extras or expertise in these realms, please contact us. Our efforts are comprised of the many diverse and unique actions of our community members, and as this list proves, there is always a way to take action for our community.

 

Join us in taking action for the Lakeview community.

Sincerely,


Gary Garland
Executive Director


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In This Issue
John P. Kennedy Donation

 

Lakeview Pantry was very lucky to receive a one-of-a-kind gift this month. John P. Kennedy of Chicago bequeathed a unprecedented monetary donation to Lakeview Pantry in his will as a final act of generosity. This gift is not only unique, but it's also incredibly moving, as it provides an inlet into the type of community-oriented life that Mr. Kennedy led.

 

John was born in 1946 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and was the son of John Kennedy and Germaine Smith Kennedy. He showed interests in community-building and local politics at an early age, as he served as the President of the Oshkosh Youth Council. After he earned his BA in English at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, John moved to Manhattan where he worked for Manufacturers Hanover Bank, and later, S.W.I.F.T, an international financial service corporation headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. Not only was John very successful professionally, but his accomplishments can also be seen in the generosity he demonstrated throughout his life.

 

One story passed around the Kennedy family is that of John interacting with a homeless man living under an overpass. While living in New York City, John encountered this man in the middle of a snowstorm at night. John walked to a restaurant and brought back hot food, soup, and coffee. John would often go out of this way to help those around him and saw the importance of social connections within his communities.

 

John's family remembers him fondly, making note of the adage, "It's not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of like you have lived." John's gift to Lakeview Pantry is an immense act of generosity, and it only further demonstrates his commitment to helping others throughout his life.

CTA Pass Donation

During the month of February, the Pantry also received another, equally unique gift: a single CTA pass inspired by the 26 Acts of Kindness campaign that Ann Curry created in honor of the 26 Newton, Connecticut victims. Moved to act in light of the tragedy and gun violence, Ann Curry took to social media and asked people to imagine what would happen if all of us committed to 26 acts of kindness to honor each life lost in Newtown.  

 

The CTA pass that was donated was accompanied by a note that read, "This donation is in honor of victims of gun violence in Chicago and the U.S., inspired by '26 Acts of Kindness' following the Newton, Connecticut shooting." While gifts can come in all shapes and sizes, there is no way to measure the generosity behind a single act in the name of charity.

Lakeview Pantry appreciates this generous and neighborly gesture. We use CTA passes in our case management program, Bootstraps, for clients who need transportation assistance for appointments or job interviews.

 

Featured Events

 

As mentioned above, LVP often sees contributions from the community in the form of hosting events or food drives, and this month we are spotlighting Bottle and Bottega, who have done both for the Pantry. Throughout the month of March, they are hosting a 'Spring into Action,' food drive, where donors can receive discounts on their painting parties by dropping off cans of food at the Lincoln Avenue studio.

 

In the past month, we have been the recipients of several events with results like these. The Oscar Viewing Party at the Call Bar was not only a fun party, but it also raised enough money to buy over 1,000 pounds of food. Southport Grocer hosted the very yummy 'Cupcakes for Cans,' and gave out cupcakes to all contributing donors. Throughout the remainder of March, Knecht Chiropractic is working to benefit the Pantry; they are offering free consultations, free exams, free x-rays, and free testing all for a $30 donation to Lakeview Pantry or Equality Illinois.

 

Additionally, demonstrating a new way to get involved in helping Lakeview Pantry, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church is hosting 'Pilates for the Pantry,' which will run through March 24th. Classes are $10 each, and all proceeds to go to Lakeview Pantry. Classes are at 2pm in the Scout Room of the Athenaeum Building of the church, RSVP to Marimel Lim at

 

 

As these events show, whether you're interested in Pilates or painting, there are so many different ways to get involved and take action in your community. Help the Lakeview community by 'Springing into Action' with us this March.

 

Upcoming Events
3/17 & 3/24
Pilates for the Pantry

March
Bottle and Bottega
Spring into Action
Food Drive

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