Thanks-for-Giving Luncheon

November 22nd at Embassy Suites

Each November we take the opportunity to pause and say “thank you” to our supporters and volunteers and recognize our special honorees.  It seems most fitting that we do this during a time when we are giving thanks for all the blessings we enjoy – Thanksgiving.  We know without our corporate partners, volunteers and donors, we couldn’t serve nearly 400,000 Arkansans each year through our programs, all at absolutely no charge.

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel

Allison Stroud Humanitarian of the Year

Dustin McDaniel took office in January 2007 and is currently the youngest Attorney General in the nation.  As the state’s top consumer advocate and top law enforcement officer, Attorney General McDaniel and his team are committed to the issues that matter most to Arkansas’s families, including the fight to end hunger.  In April 2011, Attorney General McDaniel provided more than $140,000 to Arkansas Rice Depot.  The funding was from proceeds of a 2010 settlement with The Dannon Company.  The funds were truly an answer to prayer, helping feed thousands of Arkansas children, families and seniors facing hunger every day.

Arvest Bank

Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year

As long-time supporters of Arkansas Rice Depot, Arvest Bank and its employees have demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the hungry in our state.  In 2011, Arvest launched its bank-wide effort to provide one million meals to those in need.  By the end of the two month campaign, a total of 1.2 million meals had been raised.  Arvest’s donation to of food and dollars to Arkansas Rice Depot totaled more than $15,000. 

Kye Masino

Volunteer of the Year

In 2009, then 10 year old Kye founded KYE-YAC International, a philanthropic organization created by kids, for kids.  KYE-YAC focuses on improving health care, education and exposure to the arts so that children can be safe, enjoy life and succeed.  In 2011, KYE-YAC selected Arkansas Rice Depot as its charity of choice.  Kye currently serves as the very first Food For Kids Ambassador, helping spread the word about childhood hunger and giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves and raising money for the Food For Kids program.

About Arkansas Rice Depot

For 29 years Arkansas Rice Depot has been working to alleviate hunger in Arkansas.  The only statewide food bank, Arkansas Rice Depot distributes more than 8 million pounds of food a year to hungry Arkansans.  The organization has four main programs in place, each working toward its core mission, including Food For Families, Food For Kids, Food For Seniors and Disaster Relief.  Most recently, Arkansas Rice Depot announced their latest initiative to serve Arkansans in need, Arkansas Diaper Depot, aimed at providing struggling mothers, families and their infants much needed diapers.  The Food For Kids program was designed to provide food to children having problems in school due to hunger at home.  By providing "kid friendly" foods and backpacks to the schools, these children are now able to feed themselves with full anonymity.  Food For Kids is in over 600 schools, providing food for over 32,000 Arkansas school children.  As a faith-based organization, Arkansas Rice Depot doesn’t charge for any of the food or supplies provided.  In 2011, Arkansas Business named Arkansas Rice Depot the Nonprofit Organization of the Year.  More information can be found online at www.ricedepot.org.