On June 3rd, Immediate Past President Mark Clendenin, led our "Backpack the Bus" project to collect food and dollars for Stark Hunger Task Force's Backpack program to feed Canton City School children who may not get enough food to eat at home. Our efforts help them feed 500 kids per week during the summer, when they can not get meals and snacks at school.
Mark's project raised over $4,000 for the Hunger Task Force Backpack program, with $1,000 from the Rotary Club of Canton Charitable Fund, as well as $545 from individual Rotarians. A grant from District 6650 provided the rest, plus covered expenses, including the purchase of food for the program. Besides the dollars raised, 7 bags of groceries were donated, including some from Canton Mayor Tom Bernabei, and Canton Police Chief, John Gabbard.
On that Saturday afternoon, at Centennial Plaza, Mark was joined by his wife, Tracie, Rotarian Steve Fettman & wife, Jodi, District Governor Elect Rich Tirpak, Rotarian Rick Taylor, and Hunger Task Force Executive Director, Stephanie Sweany, to stuff 100 "backpacks" to be distributed to Canton City kids in need.
Rick Taylor and Steve & Jodi Fettman Load Backpacks with Food
Mayor Bernabei, Chief Gabbard, Tracie & Mark Clendenin, & Stephanie Sweany
Mayor Bernabei, Stphanie Sweany, & Chief Gabbard