FIND Food Bank announced Friday it raised $354,200 during its 15th annual telethon.
“It was such an amazing night … the community really showed up to let everyone experiencing food insecurity know that they are not alone and there are people willing to help,” Debbie Espinosa, president and CEO of FIND Food Bank said in a statement. Because of the fundraising, she said, “FIND can lift and launch our new expansion warehouse to ensure we never have to turn food away when it’s donated to us. Together, we are giving those struggling through uncertain times a lot of hope, as they know there is a community here to support them and help not just survive but thrive.”
During the broadcast, several local artists performed, including the Palm Desert High School Professional Theatre Students, Jeff Hobson of Marvyn’s Magic Theatre, and In Movement Dance, the organization announced in a press release Friday.
Numerous elected officials from the cities of Cathedral City, Coachella, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage participated in taking donations over the phone.
The organization surpassed last year’s fundraising goal of $300,000.
The contributions donated will benefit the FIND Food Security Campus and Ending Hunger Programs designated to aid people in times of crises and every day.
FIND is a nonprofit that provides fresh and non-perishable food items to approximately 125,000 people per month in the Coachella Valley desert region, according to the organization’s website.
To help support the organizations programs, call 760-775-3663, or donate online at findfoodbank.org.