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Letter From Kent


Time flies when you are having fun. In what seems like a blink of an eye, 18 months have passed since I started here at the Food Bank. I have been so blessed during that time with a great staff committed to our mission; a great board who supports our efforts to increase the efficiency with which we serve our customers; a great group of partner agencies who, at the end of the day, are the ones getting their hands dirty providing nourishment to their clients; and of course we are blessed by countless individuals, corporations and foundations without whose financial support the NWAFB could not exist. I will forever be grateful to all of you.

Speaking of time flying, In May of 1973 five young women were in the graduating class of Independence High School in Independence, KS. I really don’t know exactly how many were in the class, but I know Diana, Debbie, Jean, Mary Helen and Honora were. I’m including this little tidbit in my column because I find it fascinating that friends can remain as close to each other as these five women for over 40 years. One lives in Arkansas, one lives in Colorado and three in Texas. Even though they are miles apart, they find time to communicate nearly every week and get together every other year or so. They have supported each other, and each other’s families, through thick and thin. Diana is excited, really excited, about them coming to visit Northwest Arkansas. I promise you the memories and stories will be flying fast and furious. I’m equally sure that stories about fulfilling the mission of the Food Bank will be shared. As you know Diana is one of if not our biggest supporter and eagerly shares our story. So ladies, on behalf of all of us who enjoy living here every day, “welcome to Northwest Arkansas.”

I hope you take a few minutes and read the article written by Barb Carter, our Agency Coordinator about her recent Mission Trip to Haiti. This is the first of a monthly series where a member of our staff will write a short overview of something they have done outside the Food Bank. We each are called to serve, and do so in many different ways. I am proud of everything our staff is involved in to make the world a better place and know that you will find our stories fascinating.

It’s hot outside. And it is going to get hotter before it cools off. Please be aware of those who don’t have air conditioning. I have not heard of any yet, but I am sure there will be fan drives starting here before long. I encourage you to donate to them. So now you are asking why would I say that? It is important that we serve the entire person, not just their tummy. We cannot allow a neighbor to become overheated or dehydrated during this summer season.

Next week, June 19-25 is my favorite week of the year. Sure the holidays are exciting to be with family and vacation week is pretty cool, but for me the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship presented by P & G tops them all. This is the 11th year of the tournament. I’m proud to say that I have been involved in one fashion or another every year. This year you can find me at one of the new, improved concession stands. My special thanks to the tournament staff for including the Food Bank in the event again this year. Through the efforts of all involved in the tournament, over 4 million meals have been provided to the residents of our service area.

June 18 is Father’s Day. Dad is deceased, but I think of him and thank him every day for the giving me a servant’s heart. Dad, thank you for teaching me how to give and how to love by instilling in me the desire to help those in need. Also, my thanks to you all for helping us in the mission of feeding hungry people. Because of you someone will eat today.

-Kent


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