Governor McDonnell Kicks-Off "Governor's Bowl" Food and Fund Drive
– Competition will run from Memorial Day to Independence Day –

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today kicked-off the First Annual "Governor's Bowl" food and fund drive. In conjunction with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the "Governor's Bowl" campaign will run from Memorial Day (May 28^th) to Independence Day (July 4^th), helping to keep Virginia's food banks stocked during the summer months, which are typically slower for food donations. The competition will be organized regionally, with the "Governor's Bowl" going to the Chamber or state agency that brings in the most pounds of food for its local food bank.

In 2007, then-Attorney General McDonnell spearheaded the "Statewide Legal Food Frenzy," a philanthropic competition among Virginia's legal community benefiting Food Banks statewide. The "Governor's Bowl" is modeled off the extremely successful "Legal Food Frenzy," extending the competition to businesses large and small as well as state agencies.

Speaking about the "Governor's Bowl," Governor McDonnell said, "The 'Governor's Bowl' is a unique opportunity to bring large corporations, small businesses and public sector employees together for a cause that everyone can agree with - and that is combating hunger in our communities. As Virginians, we are fortunate to live in a Commonwealth full of plenty; however, hunger remains pervasive. Since 2006, Virginia food banks have seen a 54 percent increase in demand. In the last six months, food banks have experienced a drop of 50 percent in food donations. Summer months are particularly tough for food banks to keep their shelves stocked. Today, we are challenging the business community and our great state agencies to join in this new competition that will help our food banks during one of its most challenging times for food banks in Virginia, especially with the number of children who are out of school and do not have access to before and after school meal programs."

Leslie Van Horn, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, added, "Summertime is one of the most challenging times to keep our distribution centers filled with food and this statewide effort will make a huge difference to over 1 million Virginians in need of emergency food assistance."

Three Chamber offices and one state government office will receive a Governor's bowl based on the total number of pounds of food donated (every dollar donated will equal four pounds). Chamber offices will compete with other like-size offices in categories small, medium and large as determined by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. All donated food must be delivered to one of seven regional Food Banks or a Chamber of Commerce designated site. Governor McDonnell will personally deliver awards to the winning chamber offices after the conclusion of the "Governor's Bowl."

For official rules and information on how to participate, visit: http://www.vachamber.com/page/vagovernorsbowl

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