For $120, you can sponsor a family for a year, providing food worth more than $1000.
Please send your donation to:
South Texas Food Bank
P.O. Box 2007
Laredo, TX 78044
or go to their website at http://www.southtexasfoodbank.org to get more information on how you can help. Their number is (956) 726-3120.
It's tax deductible and it makes you feel great! If you can't afford to sponsor a family, donate what you can. The food bank will not reject any donation. With almost 70,000 Laredoans depending on the food bank, you can't afford not to help.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
More photos
We've finally added more wonderful photos from the reception/book signing and press conference for Gerda Weissmann Klein. Check them out!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Foundation honored
We got honored by the city council yesterday for all the work we did on One City, One Book. Thank you to everybody who helped make the program possible!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Pictures added
Check out the Pictures section and enjoy!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hurricane Ike and the Houston Food Bank
According to CNN, the Houston Food Bank is struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Thousands of people are asking for help, and the food bank is trying to fulfill their needs.
You can help by donating money to the food bank in a time where they are most in need. Go here to donate money online.
"The Houston Food Bank is "utterly overwhelmed with people asking for help,"
said its president, Brian Greene. The food bank needs 500,000 pounds of food a
day for the next six weeks to satisfy the "staggering" needs of Texans who have
no food or water after the storm, he said. "
You can help by donating money to the food bank in a time where they are most in need. Go here to donate money online.
Food for Thought
Although Gerda Weissmann Klein's visit to Laredo has gone by, the food drive continues. The response has been extremely good!
We have already counted 3 tons of food that we've received from people already, including large amounts of food from schools around the city.
You can still participate in the food drive by dropping off your food at one of these locations:
J.B. Alexander High School library
3600 E. Del Mar Blvd.
Laredo Regional Food Bank
2802 Anna Ave.
South Texas Food Bank
1907 Freight St.
Or we can pick up your food, especially if you have large amounts. Please call (956) 744-8702 to make arrangements.
We have already counted 3 tons of food that we've received from people already, including large amounts of food from schools around the city.
You can still participate in the food drive by dropping off your food at one of these locations:
J.B. Alexander High School library
3600 E. Del Mar Blvd.
Laredo Regional Food Bank
2802 Anna Ave.
South Texas Food Bank
1907 Freight St.
Or we can pick up your food, especially if you have large amounts. Please call (956) 744-8702 to make arrangements.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Gerda Weissmann Klein speech
The response to Gerda Weissmann Klein's visit to Laredo was phenomenal!
"I've never seen such a reaction in fifty years of speaking." - Ms. Klein
Food was stacked on and all around a table from people who brought cans so they could get in. People were dying to get her autograph, or just a glimpse of Ms. Klein.
We had about 1900 people attend her speech at the Laredo Civic Center. All day Thursday, we had people calling us and asking us how to get a ticket.
This was a better response than we had ever hoped! The first year of One City, One Book was a definite success.
Pictures up soon.
"I've never seen such a reaction in fifty years of speaking." - Ms. Klein
Food was stacked on and all around a table from people who brought cans so they could get in. People were dying to get her autograph, or just a glimpse of Ms. Klein.
We had about 1900 people attend her speech at the Laredo Civic Center. All day Thursday, we had people calling us and asking us how to get a ticket.
This was a better response than we had ever hoped! The first year of One City, One Book was a definite success.
Pictures up soon.
Friday, September 12, 2008
2nd Documentary Screening
Another full crowd at the second documentary screening, and about fifty people brought canned food in order to get tickets because they had heard about it from their friends and co-workers. The One City, One Book concept has been tremendously successful. The goal of getting the city talking about one book, one issue, and "all on the same page" has certainly been reached. From the discussions before and after the screenings it is clear that people of all ages, faiths and walks of life have a common dream - to help each other exist in peace and prosperity. The mission now is to continue to spread the word that everyone, working side by side, taking small steps, can reach that dream. It just takes one person at a time to open a door and allow another person entrance to the world of hope and promise. Working together, the entire wall can come down.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Laredo Center for the Arts Reception
Poems, food, celebrity readers and war stories resonated around the Laredo Center for the Arts as a modest group braved the rain and interacted about Gerda W. Klein's experiences and how they mirrored the lives of many during the war. Mr. John Valls, who recently recieved a bronze star, spoke of opening the gates of a prison camp, capturing enemy soldiers, and escaping death without knowing how he did so. His stories of war and constant death were interspersed with more lighthearted moments as he recounted stealing Oskar Schindler's handkerchiefs and being sent to the infantry after he told his commander that he would not fly in a plane if he could not be the pilot. Mr. Valls also brought tangible memories through photos, magazines, awards and letters. The audience members asked him questions about his experience and applauded his bravery and his speaking ability. His session was followed by an open mic, with audience members reading their own poetry. Afterwards, part of the Celebrity Reader DVD was shown. Throughout the evening the crowd was able to munch on fruits and vegetables provided by RC Foodservice and Produce and drinks provided by Southern Distributing. Steve Gutierrez, who organized the event, also brought snacks, as well as entertainment.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Documentary screenings
One hundred thirteen people attended the first screening of the Academy Award winning documentary, One Survivor Remembers, based on Gerda Weissmann Klein's book, All But My Life. Approximately half were new attendees who had not been to a book discussion, but were brought by friends or family. Most stayed afterwards for a discussion of what they had seen. Many brought food to donate. Those who had attended a book discussion and the documentary or who had brought food were given their ticket to the September 11 lecture.
People who attended a book discussion, but who missed this documentary screening, have one more chance at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9. Tickets will be passed out then. Anyone who missed the discussion, but who wishes to attend simply needs to bring five non perishable food items to the library Tuesday evening and you can receive a ticket. You can also stay to see this wonderful documentary as a way to prepare for Ms. Klein's visit.
Remember, everyone is invited to the screening, but only those with tickets may attend the lecture on September 11.
People who attended a book discussion, but who missed this documentary screening, have one more chance at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9. Tickets will be passed out then. Anyone who missed the discussion, but who wishes to attend simply needs to bring five non perishable food items to the library Tuesday evening and you can receive a ticket. You can also stay to see this wonderful documentary as a way to prepare for Ms. Klein's visit.
Remember, everyone is invited to the screening, but only those with tickets may attend the lecture on September 11.
Friday, September 5, 2008
September 4 Book Discussion
As we had hoped, the third book discussion was the biggest of the three, with an attendance of 120 people. We are celebrating the success of the program and looking forward to next week's events.
Don't forget to attend one of the documentary screenings!
Screenings of One Survivor Remembers
• September 6: 3:00-5:00 PM
• September 9: 6:00-8:00 PM
Don't forget to attend one of the documentary screenings!
Screenings of One Survivor Remembers
• September 6: 3:00-5:00 PM
• September 9: 6:00-8:00 PM
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Get your ticket before time runs out!
Time to get your tickets to the G.W. Klein speech is running out. We are receiving many phone calls from people who want to purchase tickets. The cost is attendance at a book discussion (the last one is September 4) and a documentary screening (September 6 and 9), or 5 non-perishable items to help alleviate hunger. Bring your 5 items today to the Laredo Public Library or to the library at John B. Alexander High School.
Ms. Klein has said that she is so touched by the community response that she can hardly wait until she gets to Laredo to see the group of people who are so giving and loving towards others.
Remember, you can buy Gerda Weissmann Klein's book at B. Dalton's located in Mall Del Norte.
Ms. Klein has said that she is so touched by the community response that she can hardly wait until she gets to Laredo to see the group of people who are so giving and loving towards others.
Remember, you can buy Gerda Weissmann Klein's book at B. Dalton's located in Mall Del Norte.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Rachel Siegel to speak at library and civic center
The young author of Stories of Moral Courage in the Face of Evil, who was 12 years old when she started the project for her bat mitzvah, will be speaking, selling and signing her book from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the HEB multipurpose room in the Laredo Public Library on September 11.
She will also speak at the Laredo Civic Center at 7:00 PM before Gerda Weissmann Klein's speech.
This is a great way for the younger community to connect to the Holocaust and Klein's message of tolerance. Siegel's book profiles non-Jews who heroically gave aid during World War II. The proceeds benefit those non-Jews.
If there are classes interested in seeing Miss Siegel speak at the library, please contact the library in advance as there is limited seating.
Contact Maria at the library: (956) 795-2400, extension 2225.
Articles on Miss Siegel:
Laredo Morning Times
People Newspapers
She will also speak at the Laredo Civic Center at 7:00 PM before Gerda Weissmann Klein's speech.
This is a great way for the younger community to connect to the Holocaust and Klein's message of tolerance. Siegel's book profiles non-Jews who heroically gave aid during World War II. The proceeds benefit those non-Jews.
If there are classes interested in seeing Miss Siegel speak at the library, please contact the library in advance as there is limited seating.
Contact Maria at the library: (956) 795-2400, extension 2225.
Articles on Miss Siegel:
Laredo Morning Times
People Newspapers
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Second Book Discussion
Response for the second book discussion was wonderful, with 59 people participating.
The last discussion will be September 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, so we hope you plan to make it! B. Dalton's at Mall Del Norte has recently bought copies of the book so people who have not had a chance to get it can buy a copy before the discussion. The talk around town is focused on this book and the issues raised by Ms. Klein's story. We are all on the same page, working together to learn to understand and help each other.
Check out the Pictures section to see photos from the book discussions.
The last discussion will be September 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, so we hope you plan to make it! B. Dalton's at Mall Del Norte has recently bought copies of the book so people who have not had a chance to get it can buy a copy before the discussion. The talk around town is focused on this book and the issues raised by Ms. Klein's story. We are all on the same page, working together to learn to understand and help each other.
Check out the Pictures section to see photos from the book discussions.
Monday, August 18, 2008
First Book Discussion
The turnout from the first book discussion this past Saturday was wonderful.
There were approximately 35 people in attendance for the first discussion led by librarian Pam Burrell. Emotions ran high as scenes from the book and the meaning of victim, oppressor and bystander were discussed. Reading, usually a solitary pursuit, became a group activity. The next book discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, at the Laredo Public Library from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. August 16th participants are welcome to come again and everyone else in town is invited to experience a book which will make you examine your own life and actions. If you have not read the book, come anyway.
These book discussions are a great way to get into the G.W. Klein speech at the Laredo Civic Center and we hope you come and join us.
There were approximately 35 people in attendance for the first discussion led by librarian Pam Burrell. Emotions ran high as scenes from the book and the meaning of victim, oppressor and bystander were discussed. Reading, usually a solitary pursuit, became a group activity. The next book discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, at the Laredo Public Library from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. August 16th participants are welcome to come again and everyone else in town is invited to experience a book which will make you examine your own life and actions. If you have not read the book, come anyway.
These book discussions are a great way to get into the G.W. Klein speech at the Laredo Civic Center and we hope you come and join us.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Another book discussion added!
Response to One City, One Book has been wonderful, so the library has added another book discussion on Thursday, September 4th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Laredo Public Library.
Nevertheless, you still have to attend only one book discussion and the documentary screening to get a ticket into Gerda Weissmann Klein's speech at the Laredo Civic Center.
Thanks for your support!
Nevertheless, you still have to attend only one book discussion and the documentary screening to get a ticket into Gerda Weissmann Klein's speech at the Laredo Civic Center.
Thanks for your support!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
First Book Discussion & New Pics
We are asking everybody to start reading Gerda Weissmann Klein's All But My Life because the first book discussion will be on August 16th, 2008 at the Laredo Public Library from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Even if you haven't read the book, please feel free to come and listen to find out what's going on and what the program is all about. Don't be scared to join in on the conversation - we definitely encourage it! Please don't miss out on this opportunity; you won't forget it.
Before the book, you can learn a bit about G.W. Klein:
Her Wikipedia page
The Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation
Holocaust Personal History for Gerda and Kurt Klein
Her IMDb page
There are new pictures from the August 4th press conference at the Laredo Public Library. Check 'em out!
Before the book, you can learn a bit about G.W. Klein:
Her Wikipedia page
The Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation
Holocaust Personal History for Gerda and Kurt Klein
Her IMDb page
There are new pictures from the August 4th press conference at the Laredo Public Library. Check 'em out!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
ATPE works with the Foundation
The United ISD local chapter of the Association of Texas Professional Educators is selling raffle tickets to alleviate hunger. Each ticket is $1.00 and prizes include:
1st Prize: $750.00 worth of gas cards
2nd Prize: $500.00 worth of gas cards
3rd Prize: $250.00 worth of gas cards
Contact an ATPE member or call President Beverly Herrera at (956) 744-8702.
1st Prize: $750.00 worth of gas cards
2nd Prize: $500.00 worth of gas cards
3rd Prize: $250.00 worth of gas cards
Contact an ATPE member or call President Beverly Herrera at (956) 744-8702.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Radio Spots
We started off the morning with Mad Dog on FM 94.9 radio promoting the One City, One Book program and Food for Thought Foundation. Then we appeared with Sammy the House on FM 106.1 radio urging the citizens of Laredo to get involved by reading, donating and caring.
For more information on One City, One Book, you can go to
http://www.laredolibrary.org/
or call Pam Burrell at (956) 795-2400 ext. 2268
For more information on One City, One Book, you can go to
http://www.laredolibrary.org/
or call Pam Burrell at (956) 795-2400 ext. 2268
Monday, August 4, 2008
One City, One Book and Laredo Center for the Arts
Today was the kickoff for the One City, One Book program that the foundation is supporting and assisting.
There are 20 copies of Gerda W. Klein's All But My Life ready to check out at the Laredo Public Library. If you want your own copy, B. Dalton's at Mall Del Norte is selling the book for $14.00. We know you will want your own copy because it is a book that you will read time after time. You can also buy the book online and learn about Gerda Weissmann Klein's foundation, The Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation.
Our foundation started because we were inspired by the fact that one woman could do so much to help the world. It all started with Gerda Weismann Klein.
Monday, September 8th, we have an art event scheduled at the Laredo Center for the Arts. We will have musical guests from the community and we're looking for poets who are interested in writing on the topic of indifference towards others and/or the success that can be found through unity. You can comment on the blog or e-mail us at laredofoodforthought@yahoo.com if you are interested!
Check out the Pictures section for pics of founders Carmen Escamilla and Beverly Herrera and representative from the Laredo Public Library Homero Vasquez-Garcia speaking at Laredo City Hall in front of Mayor Raul Salinas and city council members at the invitation of Councilman Hector Garcia. We want to thank the city council for waiving the fees for the Laredo Civic Center so Gerda Weissmann Klein can speak to our citizens. They will also be helping with a reception for Mrs. Klein before the speech. Their support only reinforces the idea that this is a community-wide effort, and this could not be possible without various leaders and citizens of Laredo.
Thank you for your continued support!
There are 20 copies of Gerda W. Klein's All But My Life ready to check out at the Laredo Public Library. If you want your own copy, B. Dalton's at Mall Del Norte is selling the book for $14.00. We know you will want your own copy because it is a book that you will read time after time. You can also buy the book online and learn about Gerda Weissmann Klein's foundation, The Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation.
Our foundation started because we were inspired by the fact that one woman could do so much to help the world. It all started with Gerda Weismann Klein.
Monday, September 8th, we have an art event scheduled at the Laredo Center for the Arts. We will have musical guests from the community and we're looking for poets who are interested in writing on the topic of indifference towards others and/or the success that can be found through unity. You can comment on the blog or e-mail us at laredofoodforthought@yahoo.com if you are interested!
Check out the Pictures section for pics of founders Carmen Escamilla and Beverly Herrera and representative from the Laredo Public Library Homero Vasquez-Garcia speaking at Laredo City Hall in front of Mayor Raul Salinas and city council members at the invitation of Councilman Hector Garcia. We want to thank the city council for waiving the fees for the Laredo Civic Center so Gerda Weissmann Klein can speak to our citizens. They will also be helping with a reception for Mrs. Klein before the speech. Their support only reinforces the idea that this is a community-wide effort, and this could not be possible without various leaders and citizens of Laredo.
Thank you for your continued support!
Monday, July 21, 2008
List of Events for One City, One Book 2010
This list is posted on the Laredo Public Library's website.
All events at the Laredo Public Library, HEB Multi-Purpose Room, 1120 E. Calton Road, unless otherwise indicated.
Into the Beautiful North and Mr. Mendoza’s Paintbrush
By Luis Alberto Urrea
Saturday, September 11
3:00-5:00 pm - The Magnificent Seven - Movie Screening
Tuesday, September 14
6:00– 8:00 p.m. - Into the Beautiful North - Book Discussion
Saturday, September 18
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. - Into the Beautiful North – Book Discussion
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. - Three Amigos – Movie Screening
Tuesday, September 21
6:00– 8:00 p.m. - Into the Beautiful North - Book Discussion
Saturday, September 25
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Art Fest
Opportunity for attendees of all ages (young ones especially!) to find out how art can bring a story or book to life
September 29
Time, TBD - Power of the Paintbrush
By invitation only for local high school students to visit with Mr. Mendoza’s Paintbrush illustrator and author in a unique teaching session of learning to bring the printed word to life visually
September 29
7:00 p.m. - An Evening With Luis Alberto Urrea
Laredo Community College
Guadalupe & Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Theatre
Mission and Objectives
Founding
The Food for Thought Foundation was founded in Laredo, Texas by three dedicated educators - Beverly S. Herrera, Annie Trevino and Carmen Escamilla - in March of 2008. It all started with a desire to bring inspiring individuals to talk to the community and spark action.
Our Mission
We work to feed the body, to open the mind, and to fill the heart by cultivating service and cooperation amid communities.
Objectives
1. To bring a world of inspiration home
2. To create an awareness of the strength of our cultural diversity
3. To facilitate understanding through dialogue and shared service
4. To reveal leadership potential and the power of individual action
5. To acknowledge the single human community and our place in it
Initial Goals
1. Present inspirational speakers to the local community
2. Increase literacy through awareness and use of the Laredo Public Library
3. Take action to provide physical and financial support for the Laredo food banks
We are a nonprofit organization licensed by the state of Texas.
The Food for Thought Foundation was founded in Laredo, Texas by three dedicated educators - Beverly S. Herrera, Annie Trevino and Carmen Escamilla - in March of 2008. It all started with a desire to bring inspiring individuals to talk to the community and spark action.
Our Mission
We work to feed the body, to open the mind, and to fill the heart by cultivating service and cooperation amid communities.
Objectives
1. To bring a world of inspiration home
2. To create an awareness of the strength of our cultural diversity
3. To facilitate understanding through dialogue and shared service
4. To reveal leadership potential and the power of individual action
5. To acknowledge the single human community and our place in it
Initial Goals
1. Present inspirational speakers to the local community
2. Increase literacy through awareness and use of the Laredo Public Library
3. Take action to provide physical and financial support for the Laredo food banks
We are a nonprofit organization licensed by the state of Texas.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
About Us
FFT started as a desire to bring Holocaust survivor, author and Academy Award-winner Gerda Weissmann Klein to students and whoever wanted to witness her heartbreaking and inspirational story. It quickly grew into a community-wide effort. We have received help from political and business leaders, several clubs and foundations around Laredo and people who just want to help out. The dedication of everyone involved has helped that one desire become a full-fledged charitable foundation.
FFT's founders are Beverly S. Herrera, Annie Treviño and Carmen Escamilla. Herrera and Treviño are English teachers at J.B. Alexander High School. Escamilla also works at AHS as the librarian. These three educators banded together to form the Foundation in March 2008 with the help of Executive Assistant Cristina Herrera, who is currently a journalism senior at the University of Texas at Austin.
We believe that hunger is a huge obstacle in promoting literacy. First, we must feed the body. We hope that with full stomachs, people will then be ready to fill their minds.
Thanks for visiting! Your support is appreciated beyond anything we could ever say or write.
FFT's founders are Beverly S. Herrera, Annie Treviño and Carmen Escamilla. Herrera and Treviño are English teachers at J.B. Alexander High School. Escamilla also works at AHS as the librarian. These three educators banded together to form the Foundation in March 2008 with the help of Executive Assistant Cristina Herrera, who is currently a journalism senior at the University of Texas at Austin.
We believe that hunger is a huge obstacle in promoting literacy. First, we must feed the body. We hope that with full stomachs, people will then be ready to fill their minds.
Thanks for visiting! Your support is appreciated beyond anything we could ever say or write.
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