Greetings Vibe Tribe!
We’re excited to announce this year’s Gathering of the Vibes Food Drive produced in conjunction with the Terrapin Foundation. Due to the sad state of our economy, people are hurting and they need help. Food pantries and shelters across the country are experiencing a 30-40% increase in demand. Bottom line, hundreds of families in the Bridgeport area go to bed hungry. We know you all have the love in your hearts to make a difference.
What can we do to help?
We can make this year’s GOTV Food Drive the biggest and best ever! Last year the Vibe Tribe donated about 2000 lbs. of food & non-perishable goods. We need at least double this year, so we are pleased to offer a little incentive to those who kick down the most. The first 12 people who donate 400 lbs. of non-perishable food and/or personal hygiene products prior to the festival will receive an upgrade from a regular camping ticket to VIP.
Here’s how it works
1. Let us know you want to participate via e-mail by July 1st; we’ll keep a running total of how many participants we have on the GOTV message board post (
http://www.gatheringofthevibes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8264). There is no limit to how many people can participate, but the VIP upgrade is limited to the first 12 people who reach the 400 lbs. mark. Any person who donates 400 lbs. or more, but is not within the first 12, is still eligible for all other prizes, including a pair of full weekend camping passes to the 2010 Vibes for the largest donation. The first 12 will not be eligible for the additional prizes. This is why pre-arranging with us is very important, to ensure we are fully aware that you will be participating.
2. Collect the food.
3. Make the donation drop-off arrangements with one of the GOTV Food Drive Coordinators. You can either:
a.Arrange a drop off on Wednesday before the festival gates open
OR
b.Directly donate the food to one of the GOTV Food Drive recipient pantries. If this method if chosen you must get a receipt written out from the pantry to the GOTV Food Drive and the Terrapin Foundation for the donation.
It’s just that easy.
Here are some ideas for ways to collect the food
1. Put a box out at your work and entice your co-workers.
2. Run your own food drive at your favorite bands’ shows.
3. Host a series of events at a local venue.
4. Be creative!!!
Some of the items in most demand from food banks include:
Baby formula
Baby food
Canned vegetables
Canned soups
Canned non-perishable meat
Pasta and sauce
Macaroni & cheese
We are also collecting personal hygiene products, such as:
Deodorant
Soap
Shampoo
Shaving products
Toothbrushes & toothpaste
Mouthwash
Q-tips
Diapers
Sanitary pads
This is far from a complete list, so if there is a particular items or group of items you'd like to donate but aren't sure about, please do not hesitate to ask.
Remember, Bridgeport is welcoming the Vibe Tribe back to Seaside Park, so let’s give back to those who have given to us and show this community how much we appreciate its hospitality. There are many other prizes and incentives to be announced as we get closer to the festival, so stay tuned and start stocking up with non-perishables and personal hygiene products!!!
If you’d like to participate in the incentive outlined above or if you have any questions (including volunteering), please feel free to contact one of the people below:
Kyle Murphy, Food Drive Co-Coordinator – Kyle@terrapinfoundation.org
Marc Drouin, Food Drive Co-Coordinator – Marc@terrapinfoundation.org
Harry Moran, Sustainability & Outreach Director – Harry@gatheringofthevibes.com
Thanks everyone!!