Bucks Knocks Out Hunger is a community initiative to provide food to the 64,000 food insecure residents of Bucks County. Individuals and businesses from around the county have been contributing to the project through donations of time and money, as well as advocating for the project by spreading the word and explaining the importance of helping our friends and neighbors.
That being said, we’ve had some people really go above and beyond to be hunger fighting heroes.
Jennifer Dredge
Jennifer Dredge of Cummins Power Systems
in Bristol is a dedicated United Way supporter. After her overwhelmingly positive experience with BKO Hunger 2013, she decided to take her involvement to the next level.
“I walked out of [BKO Hunger last year] exhausted, but pumped. My adrenaline was so high, and I was thinking, ‘wow that was incredible! Next year I want to do something big [for the project]!'” said Jen.
And something big she did. She gathered her friends and family at a few dinner parties and explained the project and the need here in Bucks County. “Everyone is well aware of how passionate I am about the United Way. Everyone was very supportive. I wrote a letter, explained that at one point in my life I was a single parent, raising four kids, and there were days I didn’t eat so I could provide for my kids. Now I’m lucky enough that I’m able to pay it forward,” she explained.
In just 30 days, her passion for paying it forward really paid off. She raised over $2,200 dollars and encouraged those who donated to attend the event with her so “it can impact them. It touched my heart last year and I want them to feel the impact of what we’re doing.”
Audrey Cupo
Audrey Cupo, of A Better Space Professional Organizing, volunteered at BKO Hunger as an individual last year and had a similar experience. “It was so invigorating and rewarding. The energy in the room was just incredible and I really felt that I was helping out,” explained the professional organizer.
She, too, felt inspired by the event and decided to amplify her impact. “I’ve been doing fundraising at events I’ve attended, asking clients to donate, bringing it up in meet-up groups, posting on Facebook… I’ve set a goal of $1000.”
She’s also recruited some volunteers as well as donors. “I put together a team on behalf of my company. Five of us will be there on the 20th to package meals,” she said.
Want to join them in their fight?
If you don’t want to miss this inspiring volunteer opportunity, luckily you don’t have to!
There are still volunteer spots open to help pack meals on Friday June 20th. Sign up online here, and visit www.uwbucks.org/bkohunger to learn more about the project.
About the contributor: Katie Pilot is the Marketing Associate at the United Way of Bucks County. Originally from New Hampshire, she is a recent graduate of Villanova University. Her four years in the suburbs of Philly weren’t enough, so she happily decided to stay in the area following her May 2014 graduation.