LAST WEEK FOR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOLS TO JOIN 2010 NATIONAL STUDENT FOOD DRIVE

With a record 26 Valley High Schools already in the fold, the Arizona branch of the 2010 National Student Food Drive is now close at hand with the kickoff meeting set for Tuesday, Oct. 12 at St. Mary’s Food Bank’s University of Phoenix Programs Center (3003 W. Thomas Road.)

Schools that are already signed up for the four-week cash and food drive include: Apollo, Arcadia, Basha, Cactus, Carl Hayden, Centennial, Chaparral, Crestview Academy, Dysart, Ironwood, Liberty, Marcos de Niza, Moon Valley, Peoria, Raymond Kellis, Sandra Day O’Connor, Shadow Mountain, South Mountain, South Ridge, Sunrise Mountain, Tempe, Thunderbird, Trevor Browne, Westview, Willow Canyon and the defending champions from Mountain Ridge.

If your school – or your neighborhood’s school – is on the confirmed list, mark down Oct. 12 – Nov. 12 and help your team with its goals. If not, there is still time for your high school to join! Your Student Council, National Honor Society, DECA club or other student organization is encouraged to take part in the drive to help feed the more than 1 million Arizonans currently dealing with food insecurity. One in four Arizona children will go to bed hungry tonight.

The top schools will win prizes ranging from Phoenix Coyotes and Harkins Theatre passes, to US Airways travel gift certificates to the grand prize – a 250-seat Harkins Theatre near your school for an exclusive night at the movies which can be used as a school fundraiser!

WELCOME TO THE 2010 NSFD DESERT RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL!

Welcome to the Jaguars of Desert Ridge, the 27th Valley High School to confirm participation in the National Student Food Drive. Schools from Deer Valley, Dysart, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley Peoria, Phoenix, Tolleson and Tempe have taken up the challenge this year. Is your school taking part?

WELCOME TO THE 2010 NSFD SHADOW RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL!

St. Mary’s sends a special welcome to the Stallions of Shadow Ridge High School, the 28th Valley High School to confirm participation in the National Student Food Drive. Is your school taking part? You have to hurry. Call NSFD Coordinator Chet Provorse at (602) 242-3169.

There is still time to join in on the fun, and win a remote broadcast from KEZ (99.9 FM) or Channel 5 (KPHO) to help your school raise awareness – and food and cash totals. For more information, call St. Mary’s Food Bank NSFD Coordinator Chet Provorse at (602) 343-3169.

TRY YOUR LUCK AND HELP FEED THE HUNGRY AT DEER VALLEY CONNECTIONS CASINO NIGHT

Marriott Courtyard Happy Valley (2029 W. Whispering Wind Drive, south of Happy Valley Road on 19th Avenue)

The 2nd Annual Event Benefitting St. Mary’s Food Bank Includes Mini Trade Show, Silent Auction and Grand Prizes for Winners at Marriott Courtyard.

Enjoy a great night of fun and a great way to learn more about networking groups from around the Valley as Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn hosts the second annual Casino Night and mini-trade show benefitting St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

Sponsored by the Deer Valley Connections, North Valley Connections and Central Connections Networking Groups, the event is set for Tuesday, Oct. 26 at the Marriott Courtyard Happy Valley (2029 W. Whispering Wind Drive, south of Happy Valley Road on 19th Avenue). Along with complimentary appetizers and a 50-50 raffle, a $20 donation will earn $500 in casino chips for you to try your luck at more than a dozen casino gaming tables including blackjack, poker, roulette and craps.

The networking groups and Marriott have worked hard to fight hunger in Arizona. Last year’s event raised more than 17,000 meals those in need and an even bigger total is anticipated this year. For more information, contact Anne Niemiec at the Courtyard/Happy Valley at (623) 580-8844.

For more information on how you can help the fight against hunger, please visit St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance website at: http://FirstFoodBank.org