04-15-09 Community Relations Committee

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~f: . .)!f 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.