The Family Pantry of Cape Cod Hosts its 5th Annual Benefit
On Sunday June 5th, the Family Pantry of Cape Cod hosted its 5th annual gala at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, MA. The event, chaired by Tom and Shelly O’Neill along with David and Nicky Metzler, Kip and Stephanie O’Neill and Paul and Mary Jo Barett, marked the start of what is sure to be a fantastic summer.
Over 250 people attended this year’s gala, raising over $200,000 for the Family Pantry. Neither the gala nor the Pantry itself would be possible without the support of generous sponsors whose kind contributions and unwavering dedication enable the Family Pantry to serve the Cape Cod community.
This year, the Family Pantry presented the Founder’s Award to Senator Dan Wolf, who has served as a critical supporter of the Family Pantry for many years and has continuously demonstrated the same passion and vision as the organization’s original founders. Throughout the course of his political career, Senator Wolf has dedicated himself to helping vulnerable populations supporting different nonprofit organizations, such as the Family Pantry.
Executive Director Christine Menard presented the President’s Award, which honors an individual or a family who has been a longtime supporter of the Pantry, to Rick Roy of Rick Roy Construction. Recently, Roy went above and beyond in the renovation of the Pantry’s warehouse and the construction of the Thrift Shop, working around the Pantry’s operating hours so as to not interrupt services to those in need.
Just before attendees were serenaded with a wonderful performance by North Shore Acapella, event chair Tom O’Neill announced a generous gift of $50,000 from longtime supporters David and Gail Oppenheim. The donation will kick start the Pantry’s Shop for the Hungry Campaign and was contributed in honor of Mary Anderson, who recently retired from her position as Executive Director of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod.
Over the course of the past five years, the summer gala has generated over one million dollars for the Family Pantry. In 2015 alone, the fundraising from this important event helped to feed 9,000 people in need, including 2,628 children, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, geographic restrictions or any other status. As a result of the hard work of the staff, the 548 volunteers throughout the year, and enormous support from the Greater Boston Food Bank, the Family Pantry distributed over 54,000 bags of food last year and continues to serve neighbors in need.
To learn more about the mission of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod, click here.
