Matador Athletics to assist Sodexo in feeding the hungry… and setting a record
Jim Howell
Nov. 5th, 2009
Sodexo to try to set new Guinness World Record for single-day food drive November 12th
Yuma, Arizona – November 5, 2009 -- Arizona Western College is proud to announce that their dining service partner, Sodexo, will hold their ‘Cans Across America’ food drive next Thursday, November 12th, to fight hunger in the Desert Southwest and across the nation. They will attempt to set a new food drive world record in the Guinness Book of World Records on that day, and have asked Matador Athletics, Arizona Western College, the AWC Honors Society and the public to assist them in their efforts. The donations raised will go to the Yuma Community Food Bank, which helps to relieve hunger, increase self-reliance and improve the quality of life for children and families throughout southwestern Arizona.
An estimated 35 million people across the nation are at risk for hunger every day-many of them children and the elderly. To combat this, Sodexo has asked hundreds of college campuses across the United States served by Sodexo to help break the world record for the ‘largest food drive by a non-charitable organization in a 24-hour period’ by collecting 510,000 pounds of food next Thursday. At AWC, the goal has been set to try to raise as many pounds of food as the collective weight of the 6-man offensive line (including the tight end)-approximately 1900 pounds-of the 9th-ranked football team in the nation, the AWC Matadors. “Our football team has been a source of great pride this season,” said Jon Giesler, General Manager of Sodexo-AWC Dining Service, Yuma. “So, when I thought about what would be a good benchmark number to use as a goal for this project, the line that has blocked for the top rusher in the nation and given us a chance for a bowl bid seemed like a perfect place to start.”
Donations will be collected at the Eatery at the brand-new 3C Building on AWC’s main campus (2020 South Avenue 8E in Yuma) between the hours of 8AM and 9PM on Thursday, November 12th. The donations can be any type of non-perishable food item. Donations will also be accepted at the inaugural AWC Men’s Basketball game of the 2009-10 season this Friday, November 6th as well as during Day 1 of Desert Classic ’09 at ‘The House’ on Thursday, November 12th. “We continue to strive every year to find new ways to assist our community, and when Sodexo approached us about helping with this day, we weren’t about to say ‘no’,” said AWC Athletic Director Jerry Smith. “Our fans and our MAA members have stepped up to help before with our community events, and knowing that it can benefit thousands of our neighbors throughout this holiday season to just look through your cupboards and give what you can is something I know we can all do.” Those who have any questions about how and where to donate can call Jon Giesler at (928) 344-7575.
