Week-Long Event Helps Food Bank Provide More Than 150,000 Meals

Award-Winning Restaurant Donates 20 Percent of Profits and John and Editha Kapoor Charitable Foundation Provide Matching Gift

Phoenix, AZ - Following through on its ambitious pledge to help St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance meet the incredible demand for food this holiday season, Scottsdale’s acclaimed Roka Akor Sushi and Robata Grill has raised enough money to help the food bank provide in excess of 150,000 meals to feed Arizona’s hungry.

Continuing in his long-time tradition of support for St. Mary’s Food Bank, Roka Akor owner John Kapoor not only donated 20 percent of all restaurant revenues between December 7th and December 13th, but also matched each donation dollar-for-dollar through the John and Editha Kapoor Charitable Foundation.

“Roka Akor and the Kapoor Foundation are proud to have been a part of helping St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in its mission to feed the hungry. We truly appreciate all of those who took time to visit the restaurant during the donation event,” said Mary Gauwitz, the Foundation’s executive director. “We know that St. Mary’s has seen an incredible spike in demand and, especially at this time of year, we encourage those who are able to donate food, money or time to do so to help those in need across Arizona.”

St. Mary’s Food Bank can provide seven meals for each dollar donated. Food Bank President and CEO Terry Shannon said he is overwhelmed by the continued generosity of the Kapoor Foundation and the partnership with Roka Akor in what will now become an annual event.

“John Kapoor has become an extremely generous friend of St. Mary’s and we are humbled at the efforts of the staff and employees of Roka Akor for this wonderful and impeccably presented event,” Shannon said. “To provide more than 150,000 meals at such a critical time during the holidays is a true testament to his heart and compassion for those in Arizona hit hardest by these economic times. The work of John and the Kapoor Foundation to ease the food burden in our state is greatly appreciated.”

Published on behalf of St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, the world’s first food bank, is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that alleviates hunger by efficiently gathering and distributing food to 534 agencies that serve the hungry.  Serving 13 of Arizona’s 15 counties, the organization is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks, and is committed to volunteerism, building community relationships, and improving the quality of life for Arizonans in need. Last year, the Food Bank distributed more than 67 million pounds of food to families and individuals, provided enough food for 300,000 meals every day, and garnered more than 370,000 volunteer service hours. Visit www.FirstFoodBank.org or call 602-242-FOOD for more information.

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