ATLANTA (December 18, 2013) – In recognition of the State of Georgia winning the 2013 Hunger Partnership Backpack Buddy Challenge at this summer’s National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit, Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) held a press conference today to announce a 5K Grant from the challenge’s presenting sponsor, the Yum! Brands Foundation. A representative of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Roy Neill, was also in attendance.
“I was proud to announce the reception of a 5K grant from NCSL Backpack Buddy Challenge sponsor Yum! Brands Foundation today,” said Senator Unterman. “This generous grant will assist with hunger relief in metro Atlanta and allow us to continue in our efforts to raise awareness of programs that fight hunger nationwide.”
“This victory for a great cause would not have happened without the Georgia staff and legislators who made this event a priority,” said Speaker of the House David Ralston. “I am proud of their work and happy that we are able to direct these proceeds to these very worthwhile charities at this time of year.” Speaker Ralston was unable to attend today’s press conference, but was a leading participant in the challenge alongside Senator Unterman.
Senator Renee Unterman currently serves as the co-chair of the (NCSL) Hunger Partnership, an initiative to provide hunger relief for impoverished families. As part of the statewide NCSL Hunger Partnership Backpack Buddy Challenge, legislators representing all 50 states were given the opportunity to pack 1,000 backpacks of food for hungry children in metro Atlanta. This year’s host state Georgia stuffed the most backpacks and won the $5,000 grand prize.
“I applaud Senator Unterman for her tremendous passion for and leadership on this important issue,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “Georgia legislators stepped up in a big way during the NCSL conference in Atlanta and worked together – regardless of party or chamber – to bring attention to this challenge. Thanks to their hard work and the generosity of YUM! Brands we are able to help local organizations in their efforts to combat hunger in Georgia.
During the award presentation at the Georgia State Capitol, Senator Unterman announced two Atlanta-based non-profits as the recipients of a $2,500 hunger relief check; the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and the Empty Stocking Fund.
“We believe it is our privilege and responsibility to lead the fight against hunger and help make a difference in the lives of children who are at risk of hunger,” said Angela Osting, Manager of the Yum! Brands Foundation. “We congratulate the Georgia Legislature for its commitment to hungry children in Georgia and we commend the staff and volunteers of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and the Empty Stocking Fund for their tireless efforts to serve the less fortunate.”
Next year’s National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028