EXTRAORDINARY SPIRIT OF EHP PROMPTS ACT OF EXTRAORDINARY GENEROSITY

We have some wonderful news! On April 26, 2012 the Ecumenical Hunger Program learned that Jeff Jordan, one of six general partners in the Menlo Park venture firm Andreesen Horowitz, and his wife Karen Jordan have chosen EHP as one of the inaugural beneficiaries of the firm’s first $1 million gift, to be shared with other Bay Area charities. The partners have announced a visionary pledge to give away half of their venture capital earnings over their lifetimes.

Karen Jordan was introduced to EHP through the National Charity League, with which EHP has a long and productive partnership. EHP is one of the chosen “focus philanthropies” of NCL’s Stanford Hills chapter, allowing NCL mother/daughter pairs to volunteer at EHP during the daughter’s 11^th grade year. “We’ve been inspired by all you accomplish and the impact you have on so many lives,” Karen says. “We hope that this will allow you to continue and expand the good work that you do.”

The EHP board and staff are inspired in turn by the Jordans’ generosity and faith in EHP. In the coming months we will decide the best ways to use their wonderful gift to strengthen EHP’s broad range of services and programs supporting families and individuals primarily in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. The news of this donation was entirely a surprise, and is a very real reminder that those of us who give of our time as volunteers, as well as those who receive assistance, are strengthened and sustained within the very special community that is EHP. We look after each other’s welfare and support one another in a host of tangible and intangible ways. Whether providing food boxes, or a winter coat, or a table and chairs, or nutrition education, or access to a computer (and more) – all with a warm smile and encouragement – EHP volunteers and staff will continue to serve and assist those in need, as they move from crisis to self-reliance. Every EHP donor and volunteer plays a vital role in making our community stronger. We welcome all people of good will to join us!