FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Filling in the Blanks hosts The Fifth Annual Plates with Purpose Gala with Mar Jennings
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Fifth Annual Plates with Purpose Gala, hosted by Filling in the Blanks. This year’s event will take place on October 5th, 2024 at The Loading Dock in Stamford, CT. This event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned local chefs. Guests will enjoy a delectable tasting experience prepared by Chefs Luke Venner of Elm, Damon Sawyer of 29 Markle, Anthony Kostelis of The Whelk, Jared Falco of Bar Rosina’s, Hannah Gorman of Revel with Dinner thyme, Andréa Stevenson of Abigail Kirsch, and Chef Robert VanKeuren of Flour Water Salt Bread.
“As a chef, I have always found great joy in feeding other people. There is nothing better than knowing that the food we will serve for Plates with a Purpose will continue to help feed thousands of others.” – Luke Venner, Elm
Adding to the evening’s charm, we are thrilled to announce our Master of Ceremonies: America’s Top Lifestyle Expert, Mar Jennings an Emmy® nominated, nationally syndicated television show host, entrepreneur, philanthropist and influencer.
Filling in the Blanks aims to raise awareness about childhood food insecurity, which affects over 34,000 children in Fairfield and Westchester Counties alone. Many of these children rely on school meals during the week but often face food shortages over the weekends. To address this critical issue, Filling in the Blanks provides weekend meal bags to ensure consistent access to nutritious food. Currently, FITB serves 8,660 children weekly across Connecticut and New York. Since its inception, Filling in the Blanks has provided over three million meals, with plans to serve over one million meals this year alone.
In addition to its core programs, Filling in the Blanks has launched The Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry, which complements their weekend meal bags initiative. This innovative program has already distributed 430,000 pounds of food to families in need, primarily in Norwalk and Stamford. To ensure quality and freshness, FITB purchases 99% of the food distributed to the community—events like Plates with Purpose play a crucial role in sustaining these impactful programs.
Filling in the Blanks is thrilled to announce Joe Hoffman as its’ Inaugural Philanthropist of the Year awardee. Joe Hoffman and his company, Cellmark, have been steadfast supporters of Filling in the Blanks for several years, contributing significantly to the organization’s mission.
“I have spent time at packing events and most recently the Food pantry and try my best to help. Seeing firsthand the impact they are having on people’s lives is truly inspiring. My wife and daughters have also volunteered, and both learn and take away some great life lessons.”
To purchase a sponsorship or ticket, visit this website: https://e.givesmart.com/events/D9I/
Special Thanks to our Media Sponsor: Moffly Media and Stamford Magazine
Special Thanks to our Early Sponsors: The Conheeny Family, Ducera, Virginia and Michael Johnson, Doug and Shawnee Knight, The Lasusa Family, The Mirza Family, J.P.Morgan Wealth Management, The Rees Family, The Rhimes Foundation, and Laura Waitz.
About Filling in the Blanks
Filling in the Blanks is a 501c3 nonprofit that fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends. Founded in 2013 and based in Norwalk, CT, FITB provides food weekly to 8,660 children across 200 sites throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties. As a volunteer-based organization, FITB provides the community, adults & children alike, with a hands-on approach to philanthropy.
For more information, please contact Shawnee Knight or Tina Kramer – info@fillingintheblanks.org
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Filling in the Blanks
Shawnee Knight, co-founder, and Tina Kramer co-founder
info@fillingintheblanks.org
