Some people toughen up with age. I find, more and more, that my heart hurts because of the abundance I’m privy to and the fact that so many others in this world spend much of their time figuring out how to simply meet their basic needs. I grow food because I want to, because it’s fun, because it’s entertainment. Others grow food because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t eat.
In recognition of that imbalance in the world, I am going to participate this year in a blogging fundraiser called Menu for Hope. This will be the third year that Pim, of Chez Pim, has organized this fundraiser, which features a treasure trove of delicious prizes donated by food bloggers all over the world.
It’s a painless process. You buy a virtual raffle ticket for $10 between now and December 22, and specify which prize you hope to win. Then you sit back and wait for your name to be drawn (Results announced January 15). Even if you don’t win, you’ll have won, because this year’s event will benefit the United Nations World Food Programme. Last year’s event, which benefited earthquake victims in Kashmir, raised more than $17,000, $5 at a time. This is an online effort with true offline impact for those who need it most.
And the prizes. I’m not going to spend too much space gushing about the prizes because, well, you can go look at them yourself. But they include a $300 gift certificate to the Inn at Little Washington, coffee with Thomas Keller of the French Laundry, an autographed set of four books by Anthony Bourdain, and a red KitchenAid stand mixer. You’ll find all the details here, and more prizes will be added throughout today. Just hold your mouse over the little squares to see what that particular prize is, or click on a square to read all about it. Over at Kalyn’s Kitchen, you can get a fix on the prizes donated by my fellow bloggers here in the center of the United States.
Please join me in participating in this year’s Menu for Hope. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our own abundant food resources by providing for others who are not as blessed.
on Dec 12th, 2006 at 7:38 am
I want that red kitchen aid mixer! There are so many great prizes! Thanks for helping out.
on Dec 12th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
You’re so welcome, Kalyn — thanks for being the Central U.S. organizer! This is such a great cause, and I’m excited to support it.
on Dec 13th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
I love what you’ve written about Menus for Hope. As always, food for thought…..thank you.
on Dec 14th, 2006 at 5:42 pm
Thanks, Lydia! I appreciate the comment.
on Dec 21st, 2006 at 5:48 am
[...] And I am. But I wanted to just pop my head up and remind you that tomorrow is the last day for participation in Menu for Hope. It’s a great cause. It’s a great event. I hope you’ll join me in offering your support to those in need. [...]