History/Mission
History
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In the late fall of 1992, Mark Paffrath (then Executive Director of Racine County Project Emergency), Steve Klinkhammer, Bill May, and Ron Schultz (Vets 21 of Racine), and Dave Popoff (George's Tavern) developed Thoughts For Food™ as a benefit to support Project Emergency. Racine County Project Emergency, now the Racine County Food Bank, is a non-profit, United Way supported organization that supplies food to residents in need in Racine County. Vets 21 of Racine had previously sponsored several food and fund raising benefits for the Racine County Food Bank and wanted to continue its efforts while allowing for greater input and support from the community. What developed was the concept of local musicians donating their "thoughts for food." This would give Racine area musicians an opportunity to showcase their talents and the community a chance to respond with food and cash donations for the Food Bank. Thoughts For Food™ 1, held on February 27, 1993, featured twelve acts on one stage. The event was held at George's and the tavern was filled beyond capacity before the first act had finished. Admission to Thoughts For Food™ 1 was $3 and a non-perishable food item. The event raised $1,200 and 435 pounds of food. Since then, the annual event has grown in size as has the amount of food and funds contributed. This year's event will feature venues in the "River North" and Downtown areas of Racine.
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The success of Thoughts For Food™ has always depended on the support of its volunteers. Over the past 31 years, hundreds of dedicated people and families from VVA 767, the Racine County Food Bank, and the general Racine community helped by staffing the event, distributing and collecting food contribution boxes during the month of February, photographing the event and doing the myriad other tasks that make the event successful. In addition, several hundred band members, sound and lighting techs, and other contributors to the event gave unselfishly of their time and talent.
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Over its 31 years, Thoughts For Food™ has raised over $532,000 and more than 94,800 pounds of food for the Racine County Food Bank! It is truly a peaceful demonstration of caring and concern by Racine area residents!
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Mission
Thoughts For Food™ benefits . . .
THE RACINE COUNTY FOOD BANK
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THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORGANIZATION
To efficiently and effectively obtain resources and facilitate the distribution of food, and other necessities through a network of direct service providers to individuals and families of Racine County who are in need. In doing so, we will equalize the distribution of resources throughout the community and advocate on behalf of the community to reduce hunger.
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OVERVIEW
For over 35 years the Racine County Food Bank has operated an efficient and successful food program. Funding and support of its operation has come from all areas of the community as well as from the FEMA, which is managed by RCFB. Because of community involvement and a great staff, Racine County Food Bank is able to help supply the emergency food network in Racine County.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on Racine County Food Bank visit the web site at:
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or contact:
Racine County Food Bank
2000 DeKoven Avenue, Racine, WI 53403-2481
(262) 632-2307
fax (262) 632-2643
