Biz Bash Article Feeding South Florida

Feeding South Florida Celebrates New Name, Campaign, and Facility with Military-Themed Party

D. Channing Muller
May 4, 2010

Feeding South Florida, formerly Daily Bread Food Bank, celebrated its new name, its new “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope” campaign, and the grand opening of its new 112,000-square-foot facility in Broward County on April 28 with a military-themed party for 300.

“As Daily Bread, people didn’t always know what we did, and this makes it clear we feed people,” said Jennifer Behar, vice president of the board of directors for the food bank. “Feeding America, a national organization of food banks of which we’re a member, also rebranded and has gotten so much press that it makes sense for us to align ourselves with them more closely.”

Behar added that the military theme brings to life the food bank’s mission to win the war on hunger. Upon arrival, the camo-clad guests received the night’s signature cocktail, the Hand Grenade, and embarked on a Tour of Duty through the building to see the process that food bank employees and volunteers go through, from receiving the food to delivery. The tour also included a stop at the photography exhibit from Michael Nye of his travels around the country interviewing with those at risk of hunger.

After the tour, guests headed to the two main areas, dubbed the Mess Hall and Base Camp, for the rest of the evening. In the Mess Hall, seven local chefs and caterers set up food stations and Panache: A Classic Party Rental Company used camouflage linens to cover the tables.

The night’s program included a video of the food bank’s history and evolution, speeches from Feeding America representatives, and performances of the “National Anthem” and “Amazing Grace” by Maryel Epps in the Base Camp space. 

Feeding South Florida's grand opening party
Feeding South Florida's grand opening party.
Jennifer Behar, Bruce Berman and others at the event  
Panache used camouflage linens, wood folding chairs and green draping to decorate the Base Camp event area.
Local military personnel checked out the Michael Nye exhibit, which had headphones with each photo to tell the subjects' stories of their experiences with hunger.
Local military personnel checked out the Michael Nye exhibit, which had headphones with each photo to tell the subjects' stories of their experiences with hunger.
Additional tables were set up in the executive offices, which also displayed the food bank's branded merchandise for sale.
Additional tables were set up in the executive offices, which also displayed the food bank's branded merchandise for sale.
Jennifer's Homemade provided biscotti and crackers in the mess hall area.
Jennifer's Homemade provided biscotti and crackers in the mess hall area.
Advertising agency VS Brooks provided the photography and new marketing materials that decorate the facility.
Advertising agency VS Brooks provided the photography and new marketing materials that decorate the facility.
Photo: Rosie Hernandez/Let Me Grow Studio
Maryel Epps performed patriotic songs throughout the evening.
Maryel Epps performed patriotic songs throughout the evening.
Photo: Rosie Hernandez/Let Me Grow Studio
Green candles surrounded by rocks and twigs added to the military camp decor.
Green candles surrounded by rocks and twigs added to the  military camp decor.
The army set up a pop-up PX, the military name for a store operated by the army on its service posts, to sell Feeding South Florida T-shirts, hats, and other merchandise.
The army set up a pop-up PX, the military name for a store operated by the army on its service posts, to sell Feeding South Florida T-shirts, hats, and other merchandise.
A map of South Florida had pin flags for each of the local agencies and organizations to which Feeding South Florida provides food. Plastic paratroopers suspended above the map each represented a different food bank donor.
A map of South Florida had pin flags for each of the local agencies and organizations to which Feeding South Florida provides food. Plastic paratroopers suspended above the map each represented a different food bank donor.