You’ve come a long way Feeding Matters!
This was my immediate reaction as I looked around the packed Arizona Biltmore Ballroom. As the very first winner of our SVP Fast Pitch in 2011, Feeding Matters also became our Investee for the next five years. Chris Linn, Executive Director, and Shannon Goldwater, Founder and Chair, were so eager to learn, grow, and build their nonprofit. Born out of need from their own personal experiences with pediatric feeding challenges, these two ladies have inspired me. I am especially proud that so many of our Partners engaged to help accelerate the progress and impact of Feeding Matters.
In 2012, Feeding Matters held its inaugural fundraising luncheon and I was fortunate to be there that day to witness the beginning of what was to come. Held at the Phoenix Zoo, 200 people gathered to hear directly from families with children who physically struggled to eat every day. It was also fun to watch our own SVP Partner, Amy Armstrong, enthusiastically serve as the event’s emcee, as she encouraged others to give.
Terri with SVPAZ Partner Amy Armstrong
And now four years later, I attended the luncheon again. But the venue has grown to a prestigious hotel ballroom where almost 1,000 people gathered to support the Feeding Matters organization. Feeding Matters started as an Investee with a budget of around $300K and now operates with a budget of more than $1M. Even though Feeding Matters has graduated from our SVPAZ portfolio of investments, our Partners continue to give and engage in the group’s important work. There is no doubt that Feeding Matters will always be part of the SVP Family.
Congratulations Team Feeding Matters!
If you know of a Valley nonprofit doing innovative work, send them the Fast Pitch application page. Applications are currently being accepted until October 28. For reasons to apply, read our previous blog post.
Written by Terri Wogan-Calderón, Executive Director and Partner, Social Venture Partners Arizona. Passionate about improving the nonprofit sector and public education in Arizona, Terri has served as Executive Director for Social Venture Partners Arizona for more than 10 years.