National Hunger Action Day on September 8 provided a fitting occasion to mark our 25th Anniversary through a special celebration honoring staff and board members who have been key contributors to the 25 year history of the Food Bank, as well as special community partners and donors.

We were pleased to honor the Hospitality Center operated by Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur for its daily feeding of the public for more than 25 years, Nutrition & Services for Seniors for its outstanding operation of meal service programs for seniors, and Some Other Place for its nearly 50 years of a feeding ministry for the homeless and others facing severe economic challenges. In addition, Beaumont lawyer and philanthropist Wayne Reaud was honored for his leadership in the arena of hunger relief as chairman of the Beaumont Foundation of America and the Reaud Charitable Foundation.

Approximately 275 community members representing partner feeding agencies, local businesses, Food Bank volunteers and staff, and the general public showed their support during a celebratory and reflective evening affair at the MCM Elegante Hotel.

The next day, the Fifth Annual Will Golf for Food tournament hosted by the Food Bank took place at Bayou Din Golf Course, giving a different kind of opportunity for the public to turn out and show its support for our mission. We were delighted to be joined by about 160 golfers for a high-spirited day full of fun for participants.

Special thanks to the community for helping us mark this special milestone, especially chief event sponsors HEB, Huntsman, Kroger, Market Basket, OCI, Walmart, and YMBL!