Just by purchasing a few cookies and cupcakes over Halloween week, employees of BenchMark Physical Therapy in Soddy-Daisy were able to raise enough money to feed three children for a year.
The bake sale fundraiser also gave them the opportunity to put a cream pie in the face of the co-worker of their choice, with physical therapist Glenn Carlson accepting that honor.
BenchMark is continuing its partnership that began last year with Rise Against Hunger, an international nonprofit organization that distributes food and other aid to people in developing nations. The partnership is part of BenchMark's Pillars With Purpose program, in which company employees annually select an organization focused on health, hunger, or homelessness to support.
Learning that Rise Against Hunger could feed a child for an entire year for $75 was a big factor in employees' decision to support the organization, said Morgan Boulware, doctor of physical therapy and Soddy-Daisy clinic director.
"It really struck a chord with us that we could make a big impact," she said.
BenchMark and Upstream Rehabilitation employees throughout the nation are combining their efforts to make an even bigger impact Saturday, Nov. 16, when they'll gather at six locations with a goal of packing 300,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger.
Boulware's office, along with 20 others in the region, will be packing meals at Hixson High School. They hope to have 200 volunteers there that day, she said.
Since Rise Against Hunger purchases food from its established suppliers, people who want to make a contribution can make a monetary donation by stopping by any BenchMark location. Donations can also be made online by visiting pillarswithpurpose.org/donate and selecting "Benevolent Fund for Charitable Giving," specifying Rise Against Hunger on the donation form.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.