The Board Walk for Hunger
Game Plan Against Hunger
Thinking back to how my sister and I monopolized our adolescent years along the board walk of Monopoly, sparked a “Jack be nimble, Jack be quick” solution to a festering problem in the land of good and plenty– hunger in America . An oxymoron, for sure, as no one should go to sleep on an empty stomach on our watch. Apparently, one local youngster raised right by his parents, couldn’t abide by it either. It was his idea of paying goodness forward which propelled me in other directions like a game pointer with a spindle.
In 2008, Patrick Gannon, an 11-year-old fifth grader and Cub Scout from North Kingstown , Rhode Island , came up with an idea to help those less fortunate. His simple, yet compelling idea has had profound ripple effects throughout Rhode Island , and I’ll further vouch– our nation. Patrick’s idea was that on one night of the year, families could eat cereal for dinner and donate the money or food they saved to a local food pantry. Encouraged by his parents, he began to organize the first “Cereal Night” that December.
Soon, friends, local businesses and even the governor were involved in highlighting this initiative. On the night before the event, a snowstorm hit Rhode Island , making it doubtful there would be a big turnout. Nevertheless, Patrick was there the next day at one of the drop-off sites, running out to cars through the snow to accept their donations. At the end of the day, three tons of food were donated to the RI Food Bank, and plans to build on this success were put in motion.
A month prior to “Cereal Night’s” first year anniversary in 2009, and two days before Patrick’s eleventh birthday, his mom, one of his staunchest supporters and promoters for this worthwhile cause, died from a ruptured brain aneurysm. Nevertheless, “Cereal Night,” held at North Kingstown High School , celebrated Patrick’s altruistic endeavor, honored his mom, and hosted a collection for non-perishables donated to the RI Food Bank.
The selfless dedication of one youngster is awe-inspiring as well as motivating for the rest of us to “pay it forward.” For one night a week or month, consider adopting “Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Night,” “Candle Night,” or my favorite– “Board Game Night.” Foster a family connection by turning off the TV set and computer in favor of walking the board for hunger playing Monopoly or Scrabble–citing my favorites. Whether you designate one night weekly or monthly, you’ll note a reduction in electrical consumption. Save even more by killing the light switches and illuminating your board walk with candlelight. Though the savings may seem minuscule to parlay into a sizable donation, they are cumulative. For instance, the Feed the Hungry Program typically costs less than $1.75 to feed one individual.
Hark the herald–tis the season to heed the ghost of Jacob Marley, lest we harbor regrets: “Mankind was my business! Their common welfare was my business!” Like Ebenezer Scrooge, may each of us learn by example– in this case, from Patrick Gannon’s selflessness: “Let it be said we knew how to keep Christmas well all year long.”
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Women's Fiction novelist: Undergoing a midlife renaissance, I rekindled my passion for storytelling by composing fiction that taps into significant issues affecting the lives of women. Tired of reading about super women reinventing themselves by scaling mountains or paragliding—I attempt to exonerate unsung heroines who navigate life’s arduous course on a daily basis.
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