Valley of the Sun United Way Raises $378K+ to Help End Childhood Hunger
Valley of the Sun United Way raised more than $378,000 at its annual We Are UNITED lunch, hosted by the organization’s Women United Group, on May 18 at the Arizona Biltmore. Funds raised at the event will benefit two of the organization’s programs aimed at ending hunger in the classroom, Breakfast in the Classroom and WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks, and will provide over 200,000 meals for students and families in need.
Breakfast in the Classroom is a program that provides a free breakfast to children in their classroom and WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks provides food to children to share with their families over the weekend.
Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-nominated performer Vanessa Williams served as the event’s keynote speaker. She shared stories of her life in a conversational Q&A with mistress of ceremonies Olivia Fierro.
“When you’re hungry you can’t learn, you can’t be yourself and it takes away a part of you,” said Williams. “I’m so happy to be here with you today and I’m so happy that this is your mission and I’m so proud that you’ve done so well.”
Latasha Causey and Jenny Holsman Tetreault are the co-chairs of Women United and served as the co-chairs of the luncheon. The Honorary Chairwoman of the event was Arizona First Lady Angela Ducey.
vsuw.org