A team of local businesses, not-for-profit groups, and government agencies announced today that the City of Fontana would host the first-ever Eat and Be Well, an event providing those in need with a traditional Thanksgiving meal and access to essential social services.
Eat and Be Well will take place on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the Seville Park and Cypress Neighborhood Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The park is located at 8380 Cypress Avenue in Fontana. The event is expected to assist over 2,000 people in San Bernadino County: individuals and families facing unemployment, homelessness and other challenges.
“Leadership from the City of Fontana came out of nowhere to support Eat and Be Well after the loss of our venue seven months into planning for the event,” says Christopher Suchanek, CEO of Firm Media and member of the event’s steering committee. “Their help is a small miracle. We appreciate their commitment to improving the lives of the underserved and to showing how socially-conscious organizations and volunteers can make an impact.”
Suchanek says that Linda Burton, Administrator for the City of Fontana’s Community Assistance Program (CAP), and Eydee Jimenez, Community Services Coordinator at the Cypress Neighborhood Center, were instrumental in moving the event forward.
In addition to sharing Thanksgiving meals with attendees, CAP and other local organizations will offer free wellness resources and vital social services. Burton says, “Eat and Be Well will not only provide the underserved public with meals, but it will also establish togetherness, connect organizations in our community, and honor a holiday dedicated to family and gratitude.”
Eat and Be Well is in the process of aligning providers and sponsors. Steering committee members include leaders from California State University San Bernardino; Calvary Chapel Fontana; Cedar House; City of Fontana; Cowboy Burgers & BBQ; Cypress Neighborhood Center; Firm Media, Inc.; Fontana CAP; Inland Empire United Way; Inland Valley Hope Partners; Kids Come First; LF Leadership; Making a Difference Association; Mercy House; Reach Out; San Bernardino County Department of Human Services; San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services; and Water of Life Church.
About Eat & Be Well
Eat and Be Well is an event celebrating the Thanksgiving season by supporting the underserved of San Bernadino County. Through collaboration between public agencies, businesses, volunteer groups, and people throughout the community, Eat and Be Well provides those in need with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Attendees are also connected with social services that can help change their lives. To learn more, visit http://eatbewell.org.
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