Lunch Break Gets $1 Million Donation

RED BANK – A local philanthropist stepped up to the plate for Lunch Break with a $1 million donation toward its capital campaign.
The philanthropist, who wishes to remain anonymous said, “Lunch Break is an invaluable asset to our community and a worthy investment. I have seen for myself, for many years now, the direct impact Lunch Break has had on so many people, on so many families, who are struggling. These people are our neighbors. I hope this gift encourages others to step up to the plate. Every dollar given to Lunch Break will stay here to benefit our community, and I hope people can connect with that purpose.”
Mark Brahney, president of the Lunch Break Board said “This gift is significant and ensures completion of Phase 1 ­– the construction of a new three-story building attached to the existing facility – and Phase 2 – the upgrade of the existing facility which will almost double the seating capacity in our dining room and includes a new, more functional and efficient kitchen.”
But, Brahney said, there is still much more to do.
“While we have now achieved 80 percent of our $5 million dollar campaign goal, funding is still needed for Phase 3 of the campaign which includes the purchase of an additional property and a capital reserve/endowment fund which will sustain our organization for years to come.”
Gwendolyn O. Love, executive director of Lunch Break was smiling ear to ear. “What a blessing! You don’t know what this donation means, what all the donations we have received mean, to Lunch Break, and to the thousands of families we serve every month. We are all so very grateful. Our capital campaign isn’t just about building a building. It’s always been about building a community and improving lives.
“Our dream of a new facility, of reconsolidating, once again, all our services under one roof, is becoming a reality,” she said. “Our dream to continue improving existing services and expanding programs will happen.”
Lunch Break now is transitioning from old to new. While renovations are being made to the existing facility, and to ensure limited interruption to the soup kitchen and food pantry programs, meals are being served at the AME Zion Church on the corner of Shrewsbury Ave. and Drs. James Parker Boulevard.
“I would like to extend a personal thank you to the Shrewsbury Avenue AME Zion Church, Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church and St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church and their communities for their support during this transitional period,” Love said. “We couldn’t do what we do without you.”
 
Love said there are still “many opportunities for the community to get involved with our capital campaign. One in particular is our Giving Tree. Located in our ‘new’ dining room, the Lunch Break Giving Tree will be a large wall sculpture, featuring leaves and fruit bearing the names of supporters. A donation to the tree is a wonderful way to recognize a company, school, group, honor a friend or family member, celebrate one’s children, grandchildren, spouse, parent, pets or departed loved ones. We also have many in-kind donation opportunities available.”
Kate McMahon, Lunch Break’s director of development, said she was overwhelmed by the community support for the capital campaign.
“It’s been a wonderful experience working with everyone at Lunch Break, the board, donors, the capital campaign committee, the volunteers, colleagues and most importantly, the families, the people who come to Lunch Break,” she said. “Everyone is so committed to making life a little easier for others. Lunch Break is a special place.
“Many people think that Lunch Break is just a soup kitchen and that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Lunch Break is so much more than a meal to so many who, for one reason or another, are having difficulty. Many people are just a flat tire, literally, away from financial disaster. We see them every day walk through our doors,” she said. “The new building will change lives.”
Lunch Break is planning a public grand opening that will allow donors and the community to see the new facility.
A date for that event has not yet been determined.
Additional information about Step Up to the Plate – The Capital Campaign for Lunch Break is available by contacting Love directly at 732-784-7473.