Sedona AZ (September 25, 2015) – As in many areas of the U. S., the hunger epidemic in Arizona continues to cripple over 2 million working poor residents who live at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Arizona is ranked number 8 nationally for food insecurity and has the third highest child hunger rate nationwide, surpassed only by New Mexico and Tennessee. According to Feeding America’s 2012 Map the Meal Gap Study, food insecurity in Arizona affects of 1 out 5 residents, 1 out of 3 children and 1 out of 7 seniors.
On Saturday October 3 from 5-9pm, two non-profit organizations – Desert Star Community School and Yavapai Food Council – have partnered to present “Raising The Roof”. This evening under the stars at Tequa Marketplace in the Village of Oak Creek will feature world-class entertainment, delectable food and beverage, live auction opportunities, silent auctions and a raffle. Raising The Roof is being held to raise funds and awareness to support local programs bringing healthy food to children in need. Desert Star Community School, a growing K-8th grade public charter school with students from all across the Verde Valley, is sponsoring the event. Desert Star is equipping a commercial kitchen to provide student meals in a new building on its Cornville campus, where many students qualify for free or reduced cost meals.
Yavapai Food Council, a local 501(c)3, supports organizations who feed the hungry. YFC will be launching the area’s first non-profit kitchen focused on feeding hungry children in the Verde Valley, where 1 in 3 children face food scarcity. This project, one among many that the Yavapai Food Council facilitates and brings food to those in need, will be called the Bountiful Kitchen.
Entertainment will begin with Purpose and The Plan, whose mindful songwriting and finely crafted 3-part harmonies will set the tone. Following them will be a concert featuring the William Eaton Quartet, who has collectively received numerous Grammy nominations among other accolades. The night will be concluded with Green Light, whose original sounds of rock and roll bring forth the sounds and feelings from days gone by.
In between, your hosts Dr. Nick Paslidis and Chef Jen Jackson will be educating and entertaining for the benefit of hungry children throughout the Verde Valley. Over the course of the evening, you can enjoy light cuisine prepared by the Schoolhouse Restaurant and The Bountiful Kitchen, Fiddlebender wine, provided by local Cellar 433, while you peruse the many wonderful items available at the silent auction.
Come join us to support a worthwhile community cause and enjoy some of the best experiences the Verde Valley has to offer. All proceeds will benefit the Yavapai Food Council’s Bountiful Kitchen project and a student food kitchen at Desert Star. Tickets and an opportunity to support these meaningful causes are available online at www.desertstarschool.org or by calling 928-282-0171.
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