FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Roadrunner Food Bank

CONTACT: Sonya Warwick

Direct: 505-349-8682

Cell: 505-269-4775

ALBUQUERQUE CHILD HOSTING

BIRTHDAY PARTY AS FOOD DRIVE

Albuquerque, NM - October 30, 2008 – Haleigh Weaver will be turning 10 years old this November, but instead of having a birthday party, Haleigh decided to host a food drive for Roadrunner Food Bank.  Haleigh was inspired with this selfless act when she realized there were children in the community who do not have enough food to eat.

Her mom Tiffany Gosett said, “Haleigh saw on the news that there were hungry children in Albuquerque.  She just could not comprehend that there are children in our community who go without food.  Haleigh said to me, ‘Mom, I get to eat whenever I want to.  Our house always has food in it.’  Instead of having a birthday with presents, she wants people to bring food to her party for the Food Bank.  Haleigh is excited about being able to bring the food she collects from her party directly to Roadrunner.”

On November 3, Haleigh is inviting the Albuquerque community to her birthday party.  In lieu of birthday presents, she is celebrating her birthday by asking people to bring non-perishable food donations.  Her party will be held at ABQ Jumps (2731 Broadway NE Suite E) from 4 pm – 6 pm.  Anyone who attends her party from 4 pm – 6 pm will receive free entrance into ABQ Jumps with a donation of non-perishable food.

ABQ Jumps owners were so excited and inspired by Haleigh’s selfless act that they too agreed to host a food drive for Roadrunner Food Bank beginning on October 27 through November 21.  Individuals who bring in a donation of non-perishable food to ABQ Jumps will receive a $1 off entry into ABQ Jumps. 

Co-owner Kim McGill said, “This 10 year old has inspired us to get involved.  It completely caught us off guard and reminded us that there are people in need.  In this world, there are so many who have less than we do, and we want to give back.  Haleigh reminded us of an important lesson…to pay it forward.”

Haleigh’s Mom Tiffany said, “As a parent, I am so proud of her.  This isn’t the first time she has put others before herself.  During Hurricane Katrina, she took her entire savings and donated it to the Red Cross.  I am so pleased she is learning at an early age how to give back to help our community.”

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Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico is New Mexico’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger.  Through its statewide network of 600 partner agencies and six regional food banks, Roadrunner Food Bank distributes more than 16 million pounds of food annually to approximately 240,000 New Mexicans in need.  Every dollar donated yields $9 worth of food.  Roadrunner Food Bank is the only New Mexico member of America’s Second Harvest—the Nation’s Food Bank Network.  In the 28 years since it was founded, Roadrunner Food Bank has distributed more than 180 million pounds of food statewide.  For more information about Roadrunner Food Bank and its programs visit www.rrfb.org