Here we are, 100 days into our work together. Over the last few months, I have seen our community rise to the challenge to feed Indy in so many inspiring ways. I have met with volunteers, toured partner agencies, and prepared meals from rescued food.

As I look back over my first 100 days, I wanted to share some of my highlights at Second Helpings so far.

I have so enjoyed working with our
volunteers in the Hunger Relief
kitchen to prepare tasty, healthy meals for our neighbors.

The first, most special highlight for me has been meeting and working with our incredible volunteers. I have worked at several organizations throughout my career, and I have never encountered such a passionate, dedicated volunteer force as we have here at Second Helpings. Our volunteers are committed to their roles and feel personally invested in our mission to transform lives through the power of food. I look forward to every chance I get to talk with volunteers in our kitchen or warehouse.

I can certainly say the same about our donors and board members. Another special highlight was Giving Tuesday, when we made more than 2,000 thank you calls to donors. I so enjoyed the conversations I got to have that day, and it was a fun experience to work with our board members and other volunteers to complete such an impressive number of phone calls!

One of the many things I’ve learned and been impacted by came from delivering meals myself recently. Through my previous role at Indy Parks, I knew there was need and hunger in our community, but I didn’t know just how meaningful a Second Helpings meal could be for a family in need. I have worked alongside many of our partner agencies before I began this role, but getting to deliver meals myself recently was really powerful. When we hand over meals to our hard-working and caring partners, we know they are making a crucial difference.

I have been blown away by how this community continues to pull together in the midst of a pandemic. It truly is remarkable. A special shoutout to Indy Hunger Network for being a crucial place of collaboration. We’re certainly not out of the woods yet, and there is much work left to do, but I am continually encouraged remembering that we are all in this together.

Singing on The Vogue with these incredible Tonic Ball supporters was a true joy.

Of course, one of my personal highlights was being on the inside of the twentieth anniversary Tonic Ball! This event has always been one of my favorite nights of the year, so helping to make this event happen, and even sing on The Vogue stage as a part of our “We Are the World” cover was like a dream come true for this Tonic Ball superfan. Plus, this event raised enough money to provide an entire month of meals to feed Indy.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into this incredible organization. I have learned so much and am so excited to be part of something so special. I’m honored to help shape what the future holds for this amazing place. Here’s to the next 100!