Rochester Academy of Music & Arts partners with Foodlink to help feed local families in need

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Oct. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- This fall, the Rochester Academy of Music & Arts is partnering with Foodlink, a certified nonprofit organization committed to fighting hunger in Rochester. Through Tuesday, November 25, the Academy will be accepting donations of nonperishable food items to benefit Foodlink. For every item given, the donor will receive one raffle ticket—a chance to win a prize package from businesses such as Wegmans, JCPenney, and Lori’s Natural Foods. Every item donated goes solely to benefit local families in need. To maximize the effectiveness of the food drive, the Academy will be matching every donation.

Giving Thanks & Giving Help

The idea to hold a fall food drive came from the Academy’s assistant director, Brigid Harrigan. According to Harrigan, “Celebrating family is very important to us at the Academy, as hundreds of families come through our doors each week.” Harrigan continues, “Traditionally, the fall months leading up to Thanksgiving are spent honoring those who are close to us, but it’s also important to help support families who are in a time of need.”

Harrigan sought out a partnership with Foodlink, one of the most respected nonprofits currently fighting hunger in the Rochester area. She has also put together a prize package from local businesses, to motivate & reward donors by giving them a chance to win. Academy director Brannon Hungness was immediately on board, pledging to match all of the donations that come in. “I am very grateful for the success we have had at the Academy, and welcome any chance to give back to the community that has been so good to us,” Hungness states. “This food drive will not only aid those struggling with hunger, but will bring together families in a joint effort to make a difference in the city we love.”

Anyone interested can drop off nonperishable items to the Academy location at 161 Norris Drive, through November 25.

About the Rochester Academy of Music & Arts

The Rochester Academy of Music and Arts, located at 161 Norris Drive, is Rochester’s largest family-owned and family-oriented music school. In 2014, the Academy was the recipient of a national award for music school excellence. The Academy has been featured by many news outlets, including the Democrat & Chronicle, News10, In Good Health, City Newspaper, Freetime Magazine, and more. The Academy is highly active in the Rochester community-- performing on Frontier Field, hosting fundraisers for local charities, and supporting arts education. It was founded by Hungness in January of 2007, starting with only 14 students. In just seven years, it has grown into a major presence, boasting over 300 students, 20 teachers and an office staff. For more information, please visit http://www.RochesterMusicLessons.com/.

About Foodlink

Foodlink is a regional food hub and the Feeding America food bank serving Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates Counties.  Their operations target the root causes of hunger.  In 2014, Foodlink distributed over 18 million pounds of food—including 3.6 million pounds of produce, offered more than 200 nutrition education courses, and created new access points for healthy foods in underserved communities. It is a certified nonprofit organization. To learn more, please visit http://www.foodlinkny.org

Event Details:

Who: Rochester Academy of Music & Arts / Foodlink

What: Fall Food Drive

Where: 161 Norris Dr, Rochester NY 14610

When: Now through November 25

Media:

Interviews are available to members of the media. For more information the media can contact the event organizer directly at 585-313 -3734 (tel:585-313%20-3734%20\%20_blank) or at info@rochestermusiclessons.com