'Sunset Hunger' raises $1 million for Harry Chapin Food Bank
The Floridant/10323827

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- Sunset Hunger, a private event to generate awareness and support for the growing hunger crisis in Southwest Florida, raised $1 million to support hunger-relief programs through Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Held Nov. 7 at St. Charles Yacht Club in Fort Myers, Sunset Hunger attracted nearly 100 supporters and featured cocktails, dinner, dancing and entertainment, along with live and silent auctions.

"For more than four decades, Harry Chapin Food Bank has been a lifeline for Southwest Florida, built on the belief that no one in our community should go hungry, but today, that mission demands something more," said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. "The rising cost of living and cutbacks in federal government funding are putting additional financial strains on local families. As a community, we must come together to make sure every child, family, senior and veteran has food on the dinner table tonight."

Each month, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributes food to approximately 300,000 neighbors experiencing hunger through a Feeding Network of up to 175 agency partners.

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Moderated by Rachel Pierce, Sunset Hunger was chaired by Tonja Murray, Marja Norris, Karen Weddell, Maria Wiles, Elaine Wilson and Sandy Youngquist. Event sponsors included Aurelia J. Bell, Dave and Cheryl Copham, Marja and Jerry Norris, Greg and Paula Rocque, Jim and Karen Weddell, and Mark and Maria Wiles, along with Artichoke & Company, Collaboratory, 5 Star Valet, Florida Trust Wealth Management, Harold's, "I Dew" Events, Mark Loren Designs, Palm Printing, Priority Marketing, Shane Antalick Photography, Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.

About Harry Chapin Food Bank

Harry Chapin Food Bank, a Feeding America partner food bank, is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida and serves approximately 300,000 neighbors monthly through its Feeding Network of up to 175 agency partners. In 2024, the nonprofit distributed 39.5 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 32 million meals, at food banks and mobile pantries across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. Harry Chapin Food Bank is an Agency Partner of United Way and a Blueprint Partner of the Naples Children Foundation, rated as a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum-rated by Candid's GuideStar. For more information, please visit HarryChapinFoodBank.org or call 239-334-7007.