A major matching gift campaign is set to boost efforts to fight child hunger across the Southern Tier, with community donations expected to stretch three times as far.
Leaders connected to Corning Incorporated are partnering with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier to launch “Glass & Giving: 175 Years & $175K,” a fundraising drive tied to the company’s 175th anniversary.
Corning Chairman and CEO Wendell P. Weeks and his wife, Kim Frock, pledged to personally match community donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $175,000. Inspired by that commitment, former Corning Chief Operating Officer Eric Musser and his wife, Lee Musser, added a second $175,000 match.
With both matches in place, every dollar donated during the campaign will be tripled. The match period runs from now through March 11.
Food Bank officials say the combined support could help provide nearly 2 million meals to children and families facing food insecurity across the region.
Mark Bordeau, president and CEO of the Food Bank, said Weeks and Frock have supported the organization for more than 20 years and called the added commitment from current and former Corning leaders a strong reflection of the company’s ties to the community.
In the Southern Tier, the Food Bank estimates one in seven adults and one in five children struggle with food insecurity. Organizers say the campaign will help raise critical funds while also encouraging families to seek help without stigma.
Kim Frock said access to nutritious food is closely tied to a child’s ability to learn and succeed, while the Mussers said they hope the expanded match will help the Food Bank reach more children in need.
Corning leaders say the effort is meant to honor the company’s long history while investing in the well-being of the communities it serves. Donations made during the campaign will qualify for the triple match.
