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Harry Chapin Food Bank to hold special open house

By Staff | Dec 3, 2012

Harry Chapin – who was he and why does the Southwest Florida food bank carry his name? The Harry Chapin Food Bank will answer these questions during an open house on Friday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to tour the facility, 3760 Fowler St., Fort Myers, enjoy learning about Harry Chapin’s life, and enjoy birthday cake.

Like so many others who died long before their time, Chapin will forever be 38 years old in the memory of his fans. He was a singer-songwriter and social activist, whose music and humanitarianism inspired many. Harry’s stories are resonating now through the generations. His music fans will always remember him for his hits “Taxi,” “WOLD,” “Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Sequel,” and hundreds of other songs.

Chapin’s music continues to touch people and make a difference in their lives. He had a “do something” spirit and donated his time and money to hunger-related causes. He started the Harry Chapin Foundation, Why Hunger and Long Island Cares. The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida is proud to honor a man who contributed his talent, treasure, and energy to alleviating hunger. His legacy lives on.

The U.S. Congress remembered him by posthumously awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by Congress. His tombstone is inscribed with words from “I Wonder What Would Happen To This World”: “If a man tried before he died to prove what one man’s life could be worth I wonder what would happen to this world.”

The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of 160 nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties that provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly. Over 1 million pounds of food are distributed by the Harry Chapin Food Bank monthly. For every dollar donated, about $6 in food value goes back to the community. In the past fiscal year, the Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed more than 15 million pounds of food and other grocery items valued at more than $24.9 million. This is roughly the equivalent of 12.5 million meals to people in need.

For additional information about or to contribute financially to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, contact 239-334-7007 or go to harrychapinfoodbank.org.