Yet Another Fundraiser for PHP?

In reading about the Marriott’s 25th Anniversary Celebration dinner as a benefit for People Helping People some of you must think, “Not yet another fundraiser for People Helping People (PHP).” Well yes, the dinner is another benefit for PHP in a relatively long list over the past year.  However it is important to note that the dinner is not a PHP production but the brain child of the Marriott management. 

As Marriott General Manager, Mike hendrick will readily admit, he was going to celebrate their 25th anyway.  He told me quite candidly that if they were going to have a party, why not use the occasion as an opportunity to raise some much needed money for  Buellton’s local schools (cocktail party) and PHP (gourmet dinner).  As the director of a charity that has been nearly overwhelmed by the needs of our valley neighbors  for help with just the basics, food and shelter for children and family, how could I say no to Mike’s generous offer. 

 In the last three years, PHP has had a 70% increase in requests for supplemental food and help with rent when folks are faced with eviction and homelessness.  PHP is now providing 280,000 pounds of food a year to local residents up from 140,000 pounds.  Note that I said this is supplemental food help.  The 20-60 pounds provided every other week is by no means sufficient to get by on.  This food is sourced from local donations, gleaning farms and stores, and the Santa Barbara County Food Bank. Much of the food is donated but 30-40% must still be purchased to furnish somewhat “balanced and nutritional” assistance. 

Last year PHP prevented homelessness for 40 households with nearly 80 children by paying all or part of a family’s rent who fell behind through no fault of their own. All of this unfortunately costs money in order to furnish food and pay landlords.  In addition, it takes staff to interview clients, purchase food, and pay bills.  So, we are very grateful to the Marriott and Mike Hendrick for providing each of you who decide to celebrate their 25th with dinner and the opportunity to help us at PHP, help our fellow neighbors provide food and shelter for their families.

Dean Palius