Through a match the grant could become $50,000
(Sarasota County) Morton’s Gourmet Market has donated $25,000 to All Faiths Food Bank of Sarasota County to help those in most need at this time. This donation will be part of a match $500,000 gift from the Joe and Mary Kay Henson Family Fund and an additional $100,000 from an anonymous donor through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, all donations made will be matched up to $600,000.
Through the matching funds, the Morton’s grant could grow to $50,000. The Morton’s team have been active supporters of All Faiths Food Bank through both food and cash donations over the years and this gift will allow the Food bank to provide many meals to the participants in the programs.
“During the Pandemic, we were declared an essential business and the Sarasota community has continued to shop at our markets which allows us to keep our staff working while providing the experience customers have enjoyed prior to this pandemic, “ said co-owner Eddie Morton. “In addition, our suppliers have been able to handle orders to keep the shelves stocked at all three locations so that customers can continue to find their favorite items or place an order for an in-home or office gathering. Through the hard work of our staff and vendors, our loyal clientele, we have been able to continue to keep our locations open and we felt the time was right to increase support and to give back to those in our community who need assistance .”
“Morton’s contribution towards our current matching gift opportunity is greatly appreciated during this time of increased need. COVID-19 has created its own pandemic of hunger in our community, as high unemployment rates continue and those affected are left with unknown futures. Morton’s support will help us as we continue to provide food and assistance to those struggling the most,” said Sandra Frank CEO of All Faiths Food Bank.
“In addition to this thoughtful and needed gift to All Faiths Food Bank during this moment, Morton’s Market’s longstanding commitment to the community as a whole, as well as individual students through their scholarship fund, demonstrate the company’s generous nature,” comments Roxie Jerde President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
The Community Foundation and Morton’s often share the same philanthropy philosophy, business management and local community service ideals which is boldly apparent through the long history of the two organizations. One of many relationships: When the family decided to form a culinary fund, they looked to the Community Foundation for assistance and management and through this partnership, the Morton’s Culinary Education Fund was established which has granted many scholarships to Sarasota County High School graduates which enables them to continue their training for a culinary or hospitality career. Scholarship recipients have attended major universities not only in Florida but major institutions throughout the country.
About All Faiths Food Bank
All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Rated 4-stars by Charity Navigator and a member of Feeding America and Feeding Florida, we provide millions of meals each year through robust programs and partnerships with charitable organizations in the community. In addition to food distribution, All Faiths Food Bank operates a roster of innovative direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger but strive to end hunger by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, better health outcomes and self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of over $417 million in more than 1,500 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $274 million over our 40-year history in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.
About Morton’s Market
For over 50 years, Morton’s Gourmet Market has been a Sarasota fixture and is known for its award-winning catering services, talented in-house chefs, and personalized customer service. As a family-owned enterprise for four generations, Morton’s was founded by Ted Morton and is currently run by a host of family members, including father-and-son team Eddie and Todd Morton. Today, Morton’s Market is a full-service specialty food store renowned for its prime meats and seafood, the freshest produce, specialty coffee and tea, extensive deli, house-made prepared foods and large selection of fine wines and cheeses from around the world. The Morton’s brands include Morton’s Gourmet Market, Morton’s Siesta Market and Siesta Village Liquors. For more information, to place your curbside pick-up order, in-house purchase, delivery, or a fully staffed event visitMorton’s.com
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