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Parker’s Kitchen makes landmark $1 million donation to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
Parker’s Kitchen recently made a landmark $1 million donation to support America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, a nonprofit organization based in Savannah, Ga. that serves as the food safety net for tens of thousands of individuals who are at risk for hunger across a 21-county area.
On Sept. 27, Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker presented a $1 million check to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch at a special media event and hard hat tour of the nonprofit’s new 143,000-square-foot facility, which is currently under construction on a 20-acre site at 1380 Chatham Parkway in Savannah. Parker made the donation in honor of Hunger Action Month in September, expanding the company’s commitment to provide two million meals to hungry children in 2023.
“America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia serves as a vital food safety net for so many children, seniors and families who are experiencing food insecurity throughout the region,” Parker said during the check presentation ceremony. “At Parker’s Kitchen, we want to be a force for positive change in our community. We hope this $1 million donation will help America’s Second Harvest feed even more children and more families in the future.”
The new America’s Second Harvest facility on Chatham Parkway will double the existing warehouse, office, volunteer center and commercial kitchen space. A state-of-the-art warehouse will include 10 tractor-trailer docks for receiving and additional bays for Kids Cafe trucks and agency pickups. The new facility is expected to be operational by January 2024.
“We are incredibly grateful to Parker’s Kitchen for this generous donation, which will be critical to our success at our new location on Chatham Parkway,” said America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch. “This new facility has been designed to meet the needs of our organization and the children, seniors, families and individuals facing food insecurity in the 21 counties that we serve.”
The new America’s Second Harvest food bank will include a 98,108 square-foot warehouse, a 18,425 square-foot volunteer center and agency marketplace, a 13,480 square-foot Kids Cafe commercial kitchen and expanded office and training space that will allow the America’s Second Harvest to provide even more vital support to neighbors in need. The organization is completing a two-year capital campaign made possible in part by a grant allocation by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as well as many generous donors, corporations, foundations and grants.
The Parker’s Kitchen donation will be made through customer round-up campaign contributions over the next five years as well as a Parker’s Kitchen match designed to maximize the campaign’s impact. Since Parker’s Kitchen launched its inaugural round-up campaign in May 2022, the company has raised nearly $500,000 to fight hunger in Georgia and South Carolina.
League of Women Voters of Coastal Georgia to host At-Large Post 2 candidate forum
The League of Women Voters of Coastal Georgia (LWVCGA), with support from media partner WJCL and the Coastal Georgia Center, will host a forum for the candidates running for the Savannah City Council At-Large Post 2 seat on Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center, which is located at 305 Fahm St.
Candidates will be asked questions submitted by voters on key issues relevant to the district. Voters may submit questions to questions@lwvcga.org. This event is free and open to the public, however attendees are encouraged to register in advance at LWVCGA.org
The qualifying candidates running in the November 7 elections include: Alicia Miller-Blakely and Patrick Rossiter. Greg Coy, anchor with WJCL, will moderate. A timekeeper, Hank Reed II, will ensure each candidate has equal opportunity to address the issues of interest to the audience.
Current, Former Savannah mayors endorse Pat Rossiter, candidate for Alderman At-Large Post 2
Pat Rossiter, candidate for Savannah Alderman At-Large Post 2, recently received endorsements from the current and all former living mayors of Savannah: Van R. Johnson III, Eddie Deloach, Edna Jackson, and Otis Johnson. He is the only candidate in the 2023 municipal elections to receive such endorsements.
“It means the world to me to receive endorsements from all of Savannah’s mayors going back almost 20 years,” Rossiter said. “Having the counsel and guidance of those who have served our city in its highest office will help me as I represent all Savannahians.”
The endorsements are as follows:
“I have known Pat Rossiter to be a thoughtful, reasonable, and compassionate member of this community. He will serve the entire City well as Alderman At-Large Post 2.“
– Mayor Van R. Johnson, II
“Pat Rossiter will work every day as Alderman to make a difference in the lives of every Savannah family. Please join me in helping our community grow and prosper by voting Pat Rossiter for Alderman At-Large Post 2 on November 7th.”
– Eddie DeLoach
“Pat Rossiter has been a trusted leader in our public schools his entire career. He has always put our children, families, and neighborhoods first and will do the same on City Council. Please join me in supporting him for Alderman At-Large Post 2 November 7th.”
– Rep. Edna Jackson
“Pat Rossiter is committed to bringing all of Savannah together to achieve real results for our community. Please join me in supporting him this November for Alderman At-Large Post 2.”
– Otis Johnson
For more information, visit rossiter4savannah.com.
League of Women Voters of Coastal Georgia to host mayoral forum
The League of Women Voters of Coastal Georgia (LWVCGA), with support from media partner WJCL and the Coastal Georgia Center, will host a forum for the candidates running for Mayor of the City of Savannah on Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center, which is located at 305 Fahm St.
The qualifying candidates running in the November 7 elections include: Ms. Tyrisha Davis, Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter and Mayor Van Johnson (Incumbent). Shannon Royster, anchor with WJCL, will moderate.A timekeeper, Hank Reed II, will ensure each candidate has equal opportunity to address the issues of interest to the audience.
Candidates will be asked questions submitted by voters on key issues relevant to the city. Voters may submit questions questions to questions@lwvcga.org. This event is free and open to the public, however attendees are encouraged to register in advance at LWVCGA.org.
SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services to host “Twilight at the Thompson” fundraiser
On Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at Thompson Savannah, SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services will host “Twilight at the Thompson,” an elegant, vibrant, and purpose-driven masquerade ball featuring cocktails, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and captivating live performances.
Proceeds will allow SAFE Shelter to continue offering services to victims of domestic violence, including a 24-hour domestic violence hotline; emergency shelter; outreach program services for victims who do not require shelter; assistance with temporary protective orders and stalking orders; counseling and referrals; weekly support groups; victim advocacy in court; and dating violence programs for middle and high school students, among others.
The event is just one of several planned by SAFE Shelter during October in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For more information on ticket packages or sponsorship opportunities, visit safeshelter.org/masquerade.
This article appears in Connect Savannah | October, 2023.