People in different-colored T-shirts crouched down to create this year’s Complete the Circle artwork. Photo by Daniel Dancer/Art for the Sky
One person, alone, can’t solve the hunger problem in Fairfax County. But when many people unite, they can put a big dent in it. And that’s exactly what happened last Sunday, Oct. 29, when members of the community turned out in droves to support the seventh annual Complete the Circle FOODRaiser.
A joint project of nonprofits Britepaths in Fairfax (formerly Our Daily Bread) and Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), it was held on Fairfax High’s practice football field. Participants donated food and grocery-store gift cards to be distributed to families in need and then created a live, art project that was photographed from the air.
“Although the rain may have kept attendance down some, attendees really stepped up with contributions,” said Britepaths spokeswoman Heather Webb. “Some 12,000 pounds of food/pantry items, valued at $20,640, were donated. Last year, we received 7,600 pounds; and our prior record, in 2015, was 11,100 pounds. So this year’s amount set a new record. It also brings our seven-year total to 50,751 pounds to help the hungry in our community.”
In addition, the event yielded $2,900 in cash and grocery-store gift cards – nearly doubling last year’s total. About 1,000 people attended last year’s FOODRaiser; yet despite Sunday’s rain-threatening sky, some 700 people participated.
Among them were volunteers from Lend a Box of Chantilly, which furnished about 300 crates in which the food donations were placed. Some were first placed in a circle around the art project on the field, and all were eventually packed into trucks to bring to LCAC’s food pantry. (Britepaths received the cash and gift-card donations).
“We donated the use of our boxes, plus our employees to help load them into the trucks,” said Lend A Box President Janice Gambaccini. “This is a fantastic thing these organizations are doing, helping people in need here in Fairfax County. You don’t always think about people needing help here. And being a local company, we like to give back to the community.”
And the food is sorely needed. According to a sign at the event: “Fairfax County is the second-wealthiest county in the nation. [Yet] over 50,679 children are on the free and reduced-price lunch program in Fairfax County Public Schools.”
PEOPLE OF ALL AGES participated in the event, including a dozen young men from GMU’s Chi Psi fraternity. “We just pledged this semester and, as new members, we’re encouraged to give back to the community through philanthropy,” said Connor Grubbs. “So we decided, since it’s fall and close to Thanksgiving, to help out the food centers.”
“I’m looking forward to it because I love helping other people – and also getting my picture taken,” added Joe LaRosa. Fraternity brother Tyler Seay explained that he comes from a family in which, for the past few years, some distant relatives have needed help. So, he said, “I know how important it is to have food, especially around the holidays.”
A contingent from Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfax also participated. “We have 10 people here,” said the Rev. Paul Collinson-Streng. “We just love serving. Out of our faith commitment, serving follows. It’s also basic to humanity to respond to people in need.”
TAKING PART, as well, were eight members of the Woman’s Club of Fairfax, including Fairfax City Council member Ellie Schmidt. “We made a leaf [in the design],” she said after the event. “And we were very proud to bring in our food and nonperishable donations. We brought 111 pounds.”
“This is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ state project to stop hunger,” explained Club President Yvonne Sening. “It’s a lovely event – such a great cause. And it’s a fun way to work together to raise awareness of hunger and poverty and support the community. And we were blessed that the rain held off ’til it was over.”