Charlotte, NC—It takes a special kind of person to keep giving day after day after day, especially during this global health pandemic. What if there were a way to give back? To make someone’s day just a little bit brighter. To let that nurse, or firefighter or restaurant employee know that their hard work is so much appreciated.
Yesterday, A M King participated in an event developed by BEMA (Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds) to actively support heroic frontline workers, QSR/Fast Casual restaurants and food pantries through the member-wide “We Knead You” giveback initiative. For every BEMA member that purchases meals from local restaurants, BEMA will donate $500 (up to a total of $25,000) to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Every dollar donated provides at least 10 meals to children and families in need through the Feeding America network of food banks. The goal of this campaign is to give 250,000 meals to Feeding America, help the baking producers who supply the bread products to these QSR restaurants and thank healthcare workers for their commitment.
“We are proud to share in the efforts of supporting our communities during this pandemic, including the support it will provide Feeding America,” said Kerwin Brown, CEO, BEMA. “The ability to share in the social responsibility of these efforts through the “We Knead You” campaign will bring some positive news during an otherwise negative time.”
A M King purchased 90 meals from the Cotswold Chick-fil-A and hand-delivered them to Levine Cancer Institute (LCI). Sixty meals were distributed to the Infusion nurses and supporting personnel, including reception and pharmacy, in Buildings 1 and 2. Thirty additional meals went to the LCI’s GI/GU practice located in Building 2. Special thanks to Andre Harakas, Cotswold Chick-fil-A operator; LCI Dr. Jimmy Hwang; nurse navigator Joanna Bellefeuille and other staff members there.
“I am so proud to have been able to assist in providing lunch to this great group of nurses and cancer support staff and bring a few smiles to this hardworking group,” says Jon Miller, A M King Business Development Director.” It means even more to me that they have been helping one of our own A M King employees through this very tough period and continue to do so in the face of this very difficult world environment.”
“We are so grateful for the dedicated infusion nurses and staff who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic,” says Jane Boland, A M King Director of Marketing, LCI patient and warrior cancer survivor. “Their kindness and professionalism displayed every day, despite these unprecedented times, is nothing short of amazing.”
The recipients of the delicious lunches, carefully packaged and stamped with custom blue Thank You stickers, were touched by this random act of kindness during a busy, stressful day caring for others. “Please accept our sincerest appreciation and gratitude for providing Chick-fil-A for the entire Infusion room,” says Shawn Lydon, Nurse Manager for LCI Infusion. “I am so proud of our team for their actions and sacrifice to meet the challenges we’ve faced during this period, because our patients’ challenge is much greater. Initiatives like this one, led by Jane, is such a morale booster. We’re blown away by the support and love we’ve received from A M King and other leaders within the community. Thank you so very much for injecting positivity into our day. I hope everyone involved receives our thanks and understands the impact this gesture has.”
