https://www.glwd.org/blog/30-million-meals-30-million-smiles-and-30-million-thank-yous/

4.20.22
/ Community

Celebrating 30 Million Meals with Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster, Staff and Volunteers during National Volunteer Week

Dear Community,

Today, God’s Love We Deliver celebrated an extraordinary milestone as we delivered our 30 millionth meal! It was extra special to cook, package, and deliver this meal during National Volunteer Week, as we celebrate the dedication of our committed and compassionate volunteers.

 

We are so proud of this accomplishment and are humbled by our staff, volunteers and supporters who have allowed us to serve people living with severe illness for nearly 40 years. What began with one volunteer, our founder Ganga Stone, delivering one meal to a man dying of AIDS has grown into a rapidly expanding movement grounded in our belief that Food is Medicine.

30 million is an astonishing number. But what makes it so remarkable is that this moment represents 30 million acts of kindness. That is 30 million delicious, nutritious, and individually tailored meals. That is 30 million moments of comfort and care – and 30 million smiles – delivered to our neighbors who need us.

I thank every single person who has helped us reach this historic moment. It is truly fitting that we reached this moment during National Volunteer Week, and we are filled with tremendous appreciation for our volunteers that keep our organization running. No matter the weather or circumstance, our volunteers always show up for our clients who are living with illness and for their families. We send immense gratitude to them today, and always.

Special guests Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster traded their Broadway best for hairnets and aprons to help us kick off this momentous occasion – before heading off to their two performances in The Music Man today! Hugh and Sutton began the day with remarks highlighting God’s Love and our work as a New York institution. They emphasized that while many businesses closed during the pandemic, God’s Love went into overdrive to ensure those who lost their safety net overnight were nourished and cared for. After ending their remarks with a call to action to volunteer and spread the word about our program, Hugh and Sutton joined our Kitchen volunteers to chop veggies and officially pack out our 30 millionth meal!

My gratitude and deepest thanks go to our phenomenal staff, volunteers, donors, and to Hugh and Sutton. With God’s Love, our clients know they are not alone. They have all of us. Together, we are saving lives and bringing dignity, hope and love to thousands of people at the hardest times they have ever faced. Here’s to 30 million more!

Watch Hugh and Sutton pack out our 30 millionth meal with staff and volunteers below!

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