Parish Cupboard has dismal fundraising results

Date: 4/14/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Candy Boucher, executive director of the Parish Cupboard, doesn't want to beg but sometimes that's what she has to do.

This year's Cash for the Cupboard campaign is not producing the results she'd hoped while the number of residents seeking food assistance reached record numbers in February and March.

"For many people, this is a difficult time to think of others," Boucher said. "It would be easier for the Parish Cupboard if we didn't have to ask for help. The reality is that this is the time we need help the most. If not now, when?"

She noted that the annual fundraising campaign usually raises approximately $35,000 but this year's Cash for the Cupboard has yielded about half that figure.

Boucher explained that money raised during the two-month campaign allows the Parish Cupboard to access funds from the Feinstein Foundation's -- a non-profit anti-hunger organization based in Rhode Island -- annual $1 Million Giveaway. She noted that the foundation matches a percentage of the funds raised from the Cash for the Cupboard campaign.

Boucher said the Parish Cupboard has also tried to give people added incentive this year by creating an "early bird" rate of $75 for those entering the July 14 golf outing by May 1; otherwise registration is $100 per person.

She explained that this year, she'll be happy with whatever the Cupboard can earn, adding that for the first time she hasn't set a fundraising goal.

Boucher noted that food donations are also decreasing, requiring the Parish Cupboard to spend approximately $150 each month on food.

"It's 18 cents [per] pound [at the Food Bank] and that's a lot for us [to spend]," she said. "We're here to ask for those who are in need."

Boucher added that this is an opportunity for "neighbors helping neighbors."

The Cash for the Cupboard campaign will end in two weeks. Monetary donations can be mailed to the Parish Cupboard, 1023 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089.

For additional information, call Boucher at 734-7969.