is a continuing one, and that Friendship Trays needs ongoing financial support to underwrite its ongoing mission.
Work on a Friendship Trays Endowment began in the 1990s to meet this need for ongoing support. An initial campaign raised more than $400,000. Then the 2001 recession hit.
Because less was raised than hoped for, Friendship Trays board members decided not to tap the Endowment for operating funds. Instead, interest was plowed back into the endowment. By December 2006, the Endowment's market value was $1,181,918. Tnen an even larger recession hit.
Today, the need for ongoing support of Friendship Trays is as pressing as it has ever been. Food prices are rising. Gasoline has been above $4.00 a gallon. And the calls for help keep coming:
An elderly woman is trying to take care of her even more elderly neighbor. She makes him a meal when she can. She contacts Friendship Trays when she fears he has stopped taking his insulin.
A working mom reports that her father-in-law, who lives alone, has a growing list of illnesses, forgets to eat, and now is losing weight. If a Friendship Trays could bring him food, she knows he would eat better.
A woman calls for help, but waits for three months because routes in the area are full. A friend was taking her to the doctor when their car was broadsided by a speeding driver. She is at home now and on the mend from multiple injuries. But even for a woman in her early 60s, it will take time.
With your generous support of this Endowment Campaign, Friendship Trays will be able to respond to the needs of