June 29, 2007

Alan Feinstein has sent Friendship Trays  a check for $500.

The donation marks a successful conclusion to an appeal made on this Web site and in our spring newsletter, asking for donations that would qualify toward a fund-raising challenge from this Rhode Island entrepreneur and philanthropist.

This was the 10th year in which Feinstein has given $1 million to nonprofits. The nonprofits that participated in the giveaway received a share of the $1 million proportional to what they raised from other sources between March 1 and April 30.   Grants ranged in size from $121 to $50,000, with the median grant being $317.

Feinstein, a former public school teacher and financial columnist, Rhode Island booster and, since 1996, a full-time philanthropist, says his pet project is fighting hunger.

This year more agencies participated than in 2006 (1,716 vs. 1,560). But the agencies raised less money ($148.1 million vs. $159.3 million) The share of the $1 million going to N.C. nonprofits rose to $23,149, from $18,400. The largest N.C. grant was $2,154 to Whiteville's Harvest Table Inc.

Charlotte recipients were Loaves & Fishes, $699 after raising $120,071; Uptown Shelter, $650 for raising $106,949; Friendship Trays, $500 for raising $66,876; Seed Programs Inc., $334 for raising $22,520; and the Crop Walk, $302 for raising $13,875.

In a letter, Feinstein wrote, "Please tell your donors that they are partners in what has become the most successful campaign of all times to fight hunger in America!"

More information is on Feinstein's Website.