“Ensuring Freestore Foodbank’s Future”

Sandy and John share a long and fruitful relationship with Freestore Foodbank and have been generous supporters for more than 30 years. Their connection stems from their friendship with Frank Gerson, the founder of Freestore Foodbank, and is rooted in their belief in the importance of the work that they do.

“I don’t think there’s anything more compelling than hunger in our society, and I don’t think people can have functional lives if they don’t have enough to eat,” John says. “Children can’t learn. It’s just such an overwhelming problem. And I think Freestore Foodbank is doing really important work.”

Sandy says her family history is what first drew her to the mission of Freestore Foodbank. “My parents were Holocaust survivors, and they endured starvation, literally, for more than five years during the war. And there’s nothing more basic to survival than food.”

Both John and Sandy feel strongly about why they continue their support today.

“Freestore Foodbank is so skilled at creating … opportunities for so many people in the region,” she says. “This institution is considered a leader nationally in best practices … and I’m honored to be a part of this organization because the work that it does is so important — and because [Freestore Foodbank] does it so well.”

“We both felt a connection with what they were doing. … It was cemented when we saw they were creating these programs to give people second chances and third chances in their lives,” John says. “If you can give people … real opportunities to be successful, it’s incredible because so many people [don’t get] that.”

Today, Sandy serves as the chair of the foundation board, and both are big proponents of legacy giving. The work they do with Freestore Foodbank goes a long way toward strengthening our communities and building a future where fewer neighbors experience hunger.

“Legacy giving is the best way to ensure the future of Freestore Foodbank. … John and I have named Freestore Foodbank as a beneficiary of our estate plan,” Sandy explains. “Legacy giving is the most important thing that people who believe in the work of Freestore Foodbank can do to make sure that it continues to be here, to meet the needs of people in the community in the future.”

If you are ready to leave a lasting legacy or want to learn more, please contact Libby Coletta at donors@freestorefoodbank.org or 513-482-7093.