HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-09 Community Relations Committee~f: .
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n COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE 4-15-09
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr., Community Relations;
Karen L. White; Ann Puzzello
Other Council Present: None
Others Present: Jon Williams, Food Bank of Northern Indiana
Steven Reynolds Jr., Crossing Educational
Center; Mikki Dobski, Mayor's Office
Agenda: HUG 15000 - An outreach effort to raise awareness for the hungry
in Michiana
Community Relations Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., called the meeting to
evidence partnership and collaboration between the Council and community
organizations, both public and private for the betterment of all. Chairman Davis
introduced Steven Reynolds who is organizing an event to raise awareness of
hunger in the community while providing an event to break the Guinness World
Record for a group hug. The current record for a group hug is 12, 700. The goal
is 15,000. The hope is that everyone participating will bring at least one non-
perishable food item which collectively will be donated to the Food Bank of
Northern Indiana.
Mr. Reynolds expressed his appreciation to Mr. Davis for the opportunity to
partner with the City and to raise awareness of hunger in the community. Mr.
Reynolds elaborated on his own background in South Bend and his work at the
Crossings Education Center to target at risk kids through churches and schools
in hopes of providing both spiritual and tangible (food) assistance. In other words
throwing out a lifeline before they drift away. Mr. Reynolds introduced Mr. Jon
Williams of the Food Bank who described the growing nutritional needs in the
area primarily due to the economy, especially for poor at-risk families. Mr.
Reynolds who teaches at "The Crossings" has partnered with the Food Bank,
United Way, and LeSea Ministries among others to promote an awareness
gimmick or opportunity by staging a world record attempt group hug.
The event is to be held at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair Grounds on Saturday,
April 25, 2009. Registration begins at noon. Group hug at 1:30 p.m. Reynolds
provided a better describing the event and a flier used to promote the effort.
(Attachment) To build awareness he asked the Council for help.
Councilmember White, Mikki Dobski, Councilmember Puzzello, and Chairperson
Henry Davis, Jr., spend some time brainstorming practical, effective ways to get
the message out. Ideas for the electronic media, press conferences, list-serves,
schools, colleges, neighborhood organizations, and twitters were all suggested to
spread the work. Some present assumed specific responsibility to network
specific audiences.
Reynolds again thanked Chairperson, Henry Davis, Jr and the committee for
their time and ideas.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time.
Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson
Community Relations Committee