Citizens Bank Foundation hits a home run; presents R.I. Community Food Bank with $50,000 from “Striking Out Hunger”
Strong season by Pawtucket Red Sox pitchers adds up to help those In needProvidence, R.I. (August 30, 2007) - Prior to Wednesday night’s (August 29, 2007) Pawtucket Red Sox game, a special presentation was made on the field of McCoy Stadium – one that will have an impact on thousands of Rhode Islanders. The Citizens Bank Foundation presented the Rhode Island Community Food Bank with a $50,000 donation, reflecting funds raised through “Striking Out Hunger.”
Earlier this season, Citizens Bank, the Pawtucket Red Sox, Cox Communications and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank teamed up for “Striking Out Hunger,” an initiative that ran in conjunction with the PawSox baseball season. Every time a PawSox pitcher struck out an opposing player, the Citizens Bank Foundation donated $50 to the Food Bank.
“Knowing that donations to the Food Bank are typically low during the summer but also knowing the need increases, this program could not have come at a better time,” said Michael Clarkin, Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking at Citizens Bank. “Citizens Bank is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of families in need and what better way to help than with the most basic of needs – food. No one should ever go hungry.”
“The success of this program and the incredible generosity of Citizens Bank will help the Food Bank continue to provide highly nutritious food for those who need it most,” said Andrew Schiff, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “We are extremely appreciative for the hard work and support of the PawSox and Cox Communications. It was truly a team effort that will have a positive impact in our communities as children return to school and the summer winds down.”
Throughout the 2007 International League season, the Pawtucket Red Sox pitching staff has been one of the best, ranking third in the number of opposing strikeouts, having exceeded their 2006 total with a handful of games still remaining. “All along, we knew we had an extremely talented pitching staff that was going to have a great season,” said Lou Schwechheimer, Vice President & General Manager of the Pawtucket Red Sox. “While we knew they would help us win ballgames, the fact that they also helped so many of those in need is even more special. These guys were fired up every time they got two strikes on a batter.”
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is feeding tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders each month through a network of nearly 400 certified member agency programs. A new USDA statistical study on food insecurity shows that one of every eight Rhode Island households does not have enough to eat – this is an increase from one of 10 in 1998. In addition to this, Rhode Island’s rate of childhood poverty is the highest and fastest-growing in New England.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a non-profit organization located in Providence, R.I. The food bank solicits, stores and distributes food products donated by supermarkets, wholesalers, food processors, local farmers and community food drives. The food is then distributed to the food bank’s network of nearly 400 member agency programs. In the past fiscal year, the food bank distributed 8.4 million pounds of food. For more information about the food bank, please visit www.rifoodbank.org
About the Citizens Bank Foundation
Citizens Bank Foundation is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Bank. The foundation’s support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs.
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