First Lady Quillen Carney kicks off Baby Food Drive at RISE Fitness + Adventure
Amanda Peters, owner of RISE Fitness + Adventure in Rehoboth, hosted First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, Children & Families First CEO, Leslie Newman, and a gathering of eager community members, to kick off the inaugural Rise to the Challenge: 34 Feet to Defeat Childhood Hunger food drive May 9.
Rise to the Challenge is a three-week drive to collect baby and toddler foods; diapers and wipes that will support the newborns, infants and toddlers enrolled in Children & Families First's nurse home visiting programs. The name for the drive came about in recognition of the impressive rock climbing wall within the RISE gym. "The goal of the drive is to fill 34 one-foot boxes, so that if stacked up they would reach the top of our rock wall," stated Peters, "it creates a really great visual about overcoming a significant challenge and I wouldn't be surprised if we exceed 34 feet."
Aligned with the First Lady's First Chance Delaware, specifically the Task Force to End Childhood Hunger, this drive will provide expanded access to nutritious food for low income children that will encourage healthy brain and physical development so they can thrive to their full potentials. "First Chance Delaware seeks to promote a culture of commitment to our children ensuring all of Delaware's children have a first chance to succeed," stated Quillen Carney, "This is a great example of how a private business and a non-profit working together can have tremendous impact."
Also speaking to impact, Children & Families First CEO, Leslie Newman shared that each year the agency provides home visiting services to over 1,000 Delaware mothers and their children through the Nurse Family Partnership and Healthy Families America programs. "Backed by brain science, our early intervention and prevention programs improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce child abuse and neglect," stated Newman, "creating multi-generational positive change that will build and sustain thriving communities for us all."
Multiple organizations and individuals have made the commitment to Rise to the Challenge, including: All Walks of Life Outreach Ministries, ALOFT Aeroarchitects, Beebe Healthcare, Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Lovey Buddies, MidCoast Gymnastics, the Millville By The Sea neighborhood, Shore View Personalized Medical Care, and the Sunrise Rehoboth Rotary Club.
The drive will continue through Friday, June 1, with RISE Fitness + Adventure the official collection point, accepting donations during their normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested in participating or seeking information are encouraged to visit www.cffde.org/itemsdrive or contact Laura Rimmer at 302-604-6277, Laura.Rimmer@cffde.org.
