Guajardo to help raise funds for Inner City food bank
QSanAntonio.com, November 5, 2011

Former City Councilwoman Elena Guajardo is joining with former City Councilwoman Patti Radle on a community project that seeks to raise $35,000 for a local food bank before Thanksgiving.

“Patti has a pure heart and is a tireless advocate for her area of town,” Guajardo told QSanAntonio. “Radle and her husband Rod run the nonprofit Inner City Development that serves one of the poorest neighborhoods in San Antonio. The money raised will help that agency’s emergency food bank.”

The fundraising drive is called Thanksgiving 365. The philosophy is that Thanksgiving time brings out the best in people in their being mindful of the many people who are hungry in our city.

This year Inner City Development is hoping to raise the $35,000 it needs to keep the emergency food pantry stocked with the basics to feed the hundreds of families who come for services each year.

Inner City is looking for 35 volunteers who will make a personal commitment to raise $1,000 for the food bank before Thanksgiving. There was a press conference at the center at 1300 Chihuahua St., on November 1 to announce the beginning of the effort.

On November 17, there will be a second press conference to announce the status of the fundraising. If the $35,000 is not raised, ICD volunteers will begin a fast until all the money is collected.

“I’ve joined as a sponsor because I know that our community is ready and able to help this cause,” says Guajardo. "I am asking people to give $25 or an amount they are most comfortable giving."

Guajardo says that aside from collecting donations, she’s encouraging others to participate in collecting funds as well. “Together we can do so much,” she says.

To make a donation to Thanksgiving 365, make out your check to Inner City Development and mail to Elena Guajardo, 6807 Farrow, San Antonio, TX 78240. To participate as a fundraiser contact Patti Radle or Rosa Lopez at (210) 224-7239 or email to innercitydev@yahoo.com.