Now that Lunch Break is one step closer to reaching their $5 million goal toward their “Step Up to the Plate” capital campaign for Lunch Break,” the Red Bank-based nonprofit is announcing a $1 Million Challenge.
This past August, an anonymous local philanthropist gave Lunch Break $1 million for their capital campaign and said, “I hope this donation inspires others to give and also step up to the plate.”
Inspire it did — now within $1 million of reaching their goal, Lunch Break announced that a group of local donors has pledged $500,000 as a “challenge” grant. In other words, every dollar donated from today until 11:59 pm on December 31, 2014 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the donor group, up to a half million dollars.
“This challenge puts us one step closer, literally, to reaching our goal,” said Mark Brahney, president of the Lunch Break Board of Trustees. “The funds raised to date have ensured the completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2. The remaining funds are for Phase 3— the purchase of additional property and a capital reserve/endowment fund to sustain Lunch Break for years to come.”
“Lunch Break is at the dawn of a new day and a new way of providing services to individuals and families who need our help,” said Gwendolyn Love, Executive Director of Lunch Break. “Our new building will expand our capabilities and continue Lunch Break’s legacy as one of Monmouth County’s most vital social service agencies.”
“We’ve almost completed our expansion and, thanks to the community, we will soon be able to offer a “Client Choice” food pantry; house our Clothing and Suited for Success Programs; create a child-friendly reception area; increase the dining room capacity; add additional parking; and more.”
“For the past 31 years Lunch Break has been a grassroots organization supported by everyday people seeking to do good in their community. So, regardless of the amount, your donation is important in helping with the completion of the expansion. With the Challenge, your donations are doubled: $1 equals $2, $10 equals $20, $50 equals $100, and so on.”
To make a gift today, or to learn more about the many giving opportunities, please contact the Lunch Break Development Office at (732)747-8577 ext, 3103. You may also donate online here. With the exception of “The Giving Tree,” all gifts to Lunch Break are eligible for the $1 Million Challenge.
