Cultivate Generosity
Our team is growing! PLEASE DONATE TO THE TEAM, NOT TO MEMBERS! WE ARE DOING THIS TOGETHER!!
Walking on our team this year are: Chia Collins, Kristen Elechko & Kenzington, Elizabeth Dunaway, Marina Goldman, Leigh Rae, Andrea Ayvazian, Jo Comerford, and Gayle Kabaker and on the international team Josh Goldman in Vietnam!
We are trying to raise more money than we did last year which was over 13k for The FoodBank of Western Mass!
Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure.
We will march 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield over 2 days. Beside reaching our goal, this march of awareness for food security is near and dear to our hearts.
Thank you very much for your support -- and please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate as well!
Chia:"I grew up on the other side of the tracks in Northern Jersey. Feel free to read between the lines. I was raised by a single mom, who worked more than one job to keep food on the table. I feel blessed to say I never went hungry. I'm doing this walk now to support the thousands of people in need in our community that benefit from The Food Bank today. My family was one of them and I'm grateful for these organizations then and now."
Kristen:"I am walking because I am committed to playing an active role in ending hunger in Western Massachusetts. When I consider that 30% of children in Hamden County are living in poverty, the highest in the state, I consider how this experience will affect each of their lives. I think about the parents who are stretched and doing their best to care for their families. I think about how easy it is to get behind and not have enough. It can happen to any of us. Hunger is in each of our neighborhoods and we can solve it in our lifetime."
Elizabeth:"I am so excited to be part of this awesome team! Through participating last year, I realized just how much Monte's March does to raise money and awareness for the issue of food instability in the Pioneer Valley. Please use this opportunity to contribute all that you can during this season of giving. Every dollar donated supplies three meals to a neighbor in need. Thank you."
Marina: "Raising money for food insecurity in the Pioneer Valley has been important to me since Noahs’ bar mitzvah project at The Food Bank over a decade ago. This will be my 3rd year walking with a team of badass women with strong convictions to get shit done! I hope you will support our effort!”
Jo:“I'm walking to support The Food Bank's efforts to end hunger while it also meets the immediate and relentless demands of chronic food insecurity in our region. And I am walking in solidarity with the people of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district and our common work to end inequality and create communities where everyone can thrive.”
Leigh:“Hunger hurts and it hits the children of our region especially hard. It is a privilege to walk alongside such a powerful team in support of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts! Join us to fight food insecurity in the Pioneer Valley.”
Andrea: “I grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Our family did not go hungry, but while growing up many of my childhood friends struggled with food insecurity. I saw hunger and struggles around food and poverty up close. Monte’s March is a concrete way I can help fight food insecurity and support the Food Bank—a program that does a world of good. Small steps by a nonviolent caring and committed army, big impact in our Valley!”
Monte's March
On November 19 & 20, WRSI – The River’s Monte Belmonte will be leading his annual march against hunger through the Pioneer Valley, during his Monte’s March event. For those two-days, Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and a number of their supporters, will push a shopping cart 43- miles from Springfield to Greenfield to raise awareness and funds for food insecurity in our region. Supporters are encouraged to donate money to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Last year, the event raised more than $258,000.
You can march with Monte and Congressman McGovern by raising money for the event as an individual or as part of a team:
Individuals:
- A suggested fundraising minimum of $1,000 of more is encouraged to join Monte for either Monday or Tuesday of the walk (or a smaller portion).
- Marchers must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult.
- All Marchers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and pick-ups.
Create a Team:
- A suggested fundraising minimum of $1,000 or more per team is encouraged to join Monte for either Monday or Tuesday of the walk (or a smaller portion). Teams are defined as two or more people fundraising together.
- Teams are asked to please choose no more than one person to walk at a time. As Monte's March continues to grow, so does the number of people walking. These measures are to help ensure the safety of everyone involved.
- Marchers must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult.
- All Marchers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and pick-ups.
Can't march? Become a virtual marcher and raise funds online to support the march! There is no suggested fundraising minimum to be a virtual marcher.
Questions about this event? Contact Event Coordinator, Jennifer Therkelsen at [email protected]
Are you a teacher or administrator looking to get your school involved in Monte's March? Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Reynolds at [email protected]
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Since 1982, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. We distribute food to our member agencies in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. These independent pantries, meal sites and shelters are on the front lines of emergency food assistance in our region, playing a crucial role helping individuals, families, seniors and children. Every $1 donated to The Food Bank can purchase 4 meals for a family who needs them most.