We couldn’t really believe it either. When we saw the final number come in, we were floored at how much our community rallied around this year-end goal to match $10,000. A wildfire of generosity sparked, and YOU GUYS turned $10,000 into $65,845. It’s absolutely amazing. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! A message from
The Giving Plate “Gratitude OVERLOAD!! Thanks to Bend Oregon Real Estate: Ladd Group’s incredible generosity, a $10,000 matching challenge ignited a ripple effect. Two more amazing donors joined the cause, adding $5,000 and $10,000 to the match. Together, we turned a $40,845 campaign into a jaw-dropping $65,845 with the added matching funds. Your support is not just inspiring, it’s changing lives. Thank you for helping us end the year on such a powerful note!”
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From The Giving Plate’s website:
“The Giving Plate’s story traces back to April 2010 when a local couple, Gary and Debra Kelso, took a step of faith, despite their trying circumstances, with a heartfelt hope to assist 500 local families through food relief. They embarked on a journey that would far exceed their initial vision. Rooted in the belief that leading in love is the best way to live out their faith and that nobody should feel shame due to their need for nourishment, the Kelsos established a welcoming space that would grow to become one of the largest food pantries in the Central Oregon tri-counties of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook. This journey of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication continues to shape The Giving Plate’s legacy, creating a profound impact on countless lives.
At The Giving Plate, our mission of “Feeding the hungry today with compassion and hospitality” is more than just a statement; it’s a way of life that resonates with our deep-rooted values and guiding principles. Though food is the service we provide, we exist to offer more than just food.
Our “why” is grounded in the core belief that every person deserves dignity, regardless of their circumstances, and nobody should bear the weight of hunger alone. This unwavering commitment to removing the shame surrounding accessing food and standing with our struggling neighbors in compassion and love propels our mission forward.
As a faith-founded nonprofit, our roots lie in the simple expression of love for our neighbors (John 13:35 & Matt. 26:36-40). While we’re not a religious organization and don’t intertwine religious beliefs with our services, our origin story remains an integral part of our foundation, shaping our growth.
We welcome everyone equally and work to create a space where all are seen and belong. This approach allows us to build genuine connections with those who seek our assistance. By adhering to Oregon Food Bank guidelines and partnering with NeighborImpact (Oregon Food Bank’s regional distribution center), we efficiently distribute nourishing food to those in need, supported by our local community and private grants.
In living out our mission, we embrace the vision of ending hunger by reimagining food relief. We strive to foster a community that recognizes every person’s inherent worth and dignity. Through our commitment to compassion, hospitality, and genuine care, we are not only fighting hunger; we nurture hope and cultivate a sense of belonging.”
