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On Tuesday, February 3, representatives from Maine's credit unions gathered at the Harraseeket Inn for the 2014 Ending Hunger Campaign Results Celebration Luncheon. The subject of an Emmy-nominated movie and the author of the New York Times best-selling book, Breaking Night, about her childhood being hungry and homeless in New York City, Liz Murray, helped Maine's credit unions announce a record-breaking $552,257.43 was raised through the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger in 2014. This represents an increase of nearly $40,000 over 2013's record-setting total.
"The generosity of the more than 651,000 credit union members in Maine is extraordinary," explained John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League. "Hunger affects communities in many ways, however credit unions use it as a chance to change lives and put forth the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people.' As we celebrate the close of the 25th year of the Campaign, we are humbled by the remarkable efforts each credit union has made to make their communities a better place, and in making a difference in the lives of Maine people " Murphy added.
In her remarks, Murray spoke of hope, support, and community. She applauded Maine's credit unions for being both "passionate and compassionate about helping people. When it comes down to it, it's about people doing what they can to help other people. That's what makes a community, it's the collective efforts that matter. Raising money to end hunger and help feed families in need happens one dollar at a time. It's clear credit unions and their members understand the value of a 25 cents or one dollar and how far it can go. It can seem very daunting but this is an issue that won't be solved overnight but, through efforts like yours, I believe we can reduce the number of people who are hungry. I'm proof that the help of others can change people's lives. Without help, I wouldn't be here today. Thank you for recognizing the need and for helping."
In 2003, Murray was the real-life subject of Lifetime Television's Emmy-nominated movie, Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story. In 2010, she wrote the New York Times best-selling memoir, Breaking Night. Both the movie and book recount her younger years as a child of drug-addicted parents in the Bronx. By age 15, Murray's mother died and she found herself homeless, living on the streets and riding the subway all night. Murray overcame the odds and finished high school and received a full scholarship to Harvard.
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has now raised nearly $5.9 million to help end hunger in Maine. All contributions to the Campaign are tax-deductible.
From raising $25,000 in the first year of the Campaign in 1990 to more than $550,000 in one year twenty-five years later reinforces the "dedication and commitment of Maine's credit unions to this cause," stated Murphy.
Kristen Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank, which serves more than 90% of the food pantries in Maine, attended the luncheon and called the results "astounding. I am truly amazed at the leadership of Maine's credit unions on this issue. It is such an overwhelming and positive message of what can be achieved when we work together." Miale said the $552,000 will enable food pantries to purchase more than $7 million worth of food through Good Shepherd. "That will make a big impact on Maine people who otherwise might go hungry," she added.
Click on link below to view a recap video of the Ending Hunger Results Luncheon and the 2014 Campaign: