The kick-off soiree will mark a renewed effort to educate young professionals living in New York about the economic crisis and steps they can take to make a difference in the battle against poverty.
“Meir Panim’s Young Leadership division represents the next generation of American donors who will deal with emerging threats facing Israel,” said Michael Fromm, Chairman of AFMP. “With over 1.6 million Israelis living below the poverty line, it is vitally important for young donors to take a leadership role in eradicating the scourge of poverty that threatens to weaken Israeli society.”
Through its vast network of over 30 relief centers—which includes 14 free restaurants throughout Israel—Meir Panim prepares, packages, delivers, and serves tens of thousands of free, fresh, hot meals a day to impoverished Israeli families and children. Meir Panim also provides vocational training and other vital tools to help struggling families regain the dignity that comes with economic stability.
Beginning in Spring 2011, the Mortimer Zuckerman & Abigail Zuckerman Israel Nutrition Center in Kiryat Gat, will provide 30,000 hot, nutritious meals daily for needy families and children, totaling over one million meals a year. It will also include an after-school center, vocational training programs and a second-hand power of giving warehouse.
A major supporter of the Israel Nutrition Center, Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said, “In the face of these difficult economic times it is crucial for every relief agency to be innovative and resourceful to meet the growing demand for its services. This collaboration will establish the largest food relief program in Israel, impacting the lives of tens of thousands of children and their families on a daily basis.”
According to David Roth, President of AFMP, the launch of the Israel Nutrition Center in Kiryat Gat and efforts to raise awareness among young professionals couldn’t be more in sync. “Up until now we have never had a formal effort to get young professionals involved with AFMP and respond to the immediate poverty crisis in Israel. But Meir Panim is moving in new direction—we are bringing in a new face, a new energy and a new light to the organization.”
Details about Meir Panim Young Leadership “Kick-Off” Soiree
Date: Thursday, October 21
Time: 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Where: La Pomme, NYC
37 West 26th Street
Cost: $25 donation
To purchase tickets, please visit
www.meirpanim.net/campaign/2010/coctail/index5.htm
Meir Panim was founded in 2000 and serves thousands of free meals a day to Israel’s needy population through its network of relief centers and free restaurants in fourteen Israeli cities; daily packaged meal deliveries to thousands of needy schoolchildren, the homebound, elderly and disabled; and prepaid food card distribution.
Meir Panim operates nine Power of Giving warehouses, which distribute donated clothing and furniture to poor families, and operates adult vocational training sites and after-school clubs in many Israeli cities for at-risk youth. To learn more about Meir Panim go to staging-meirpanimorg.kinsta.cloud