May 12, 2008 Representatives from the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger attended an invitation-only dinner and discussion on forming a coalition to end childhood hunger in Maine hosted by Governor John Baldacci and his wife, First Lady Karen Baldacci, at the Blaine House last week.
"Maine credit unions are leaders in helping to end hunger and have much to add to this discussion," the Governor said, adding, "Credit unions not only bring the grassroots element to this issue but also the energy and passion and we look forward to having them be a part of this coalition."
Other participants at the dinner included representatives from Share Our Strength, a national organization that helps secure funds and programs for childhood hunger, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Partners In Ending Hunger, Bread of Life Ministries and Ripple Effect.
Jon Paadise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine CU League, explained the success of the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger to the Governor, First Lady and other participants as "what credit unions are all about and that is not only providing financial services but helping with community service, too. Having enough to eat is a problem in communities across Maine and Maine credit unions are pleased to have an opportunity to help in any way we can. We are honored to be part of this conversation tonight and look forward to continuing to work with the Governor, First Lady and other participants in this room on this cause."
Normand Dubreuil, President/CEO of Maine State CU, which was the top fundraising credit union for the ending hunger campaign the past two years, told the group, "Credit unions are in communities across Maine and are not only willing to raise money for the cause of ending hunger but also go out and help raise awareness."
The evening ended with First Lady Karen Baldacci taking the lead in organizing a Hunger Summit to be held in Augusta later this year that will include participants from the dinner as well as other groups and organizations identified as stakeholders in helping to end hunger in Maine.
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised more than $2.7 million to help end hunger in Maine, including a record-setting $366,000 in 2007.
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