Welcome to my Monte's March fundraising page. I'm raising awareness and funds for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Every dollar donated supplies three meals to a neighbor in need.
Why am I doing this? I remember, as a child with a single mom working full time, that I was often hungry. I was hungry a lot. Any money that we had was used to pay rent first so that we were able to be in a home. I remember walking a few miles down the railroad tracks to the local food bank to pick up boxes of basic provisions that included a giant block of government cheese. And often even that wasn't enough to get us through the month. I remember playing late at friends' houses hoping their moms would eventually invite me to stay for dinner... they knew. I remember people helping. I remember what a difference that made for me.
I'm walking because I know what a huge difference it makes to have a little backup from your community when times are tough. I'm walking because I know what it's like to be a hungry child with so many other things already to worry about. I'm asking you to help because I know that if you know, or if you knew what a big difference you could be making in the life of a hungry family, you would want to dig deep and change some lives.
Thank you. Please consider digging deep this year. But ANY amount at all creates change for a family that needs a little help.
For more info on Monte's March, visit: www.montesmarch.com
Monte's March
On November 25th & 26th, WRSI – The River’s Monte Belmonte will be leading his annual march against hunger through the Pioneer Valley during his Monte’s March event. For two days, Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and a number of their supporters will push a shopping cart 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield to raise awareness and funds for food insecurity in our region. Supporters are encouraged to donate money to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Last year, the event raised more than $294,000.
You can march with Monte and Congressman McGovern by raising money for the event as an individual or as part of a team:
Individuals:
- A suggested fundraising minimum of $1,000 of more is encouraged to join Monte for either Monday or Tuesday of the walk (or a smaller portion).
- Marchers must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult.
- All Marchers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and pick-ups.
Create a Team:
- A suggested fundraising minimum of $1,000 or more per team is encouraged to join Monte for either Monday or Tuesday of the walk (or a smaller portion). Teams are defined as two or more people fundraising together.
- Teams are asked to please choose no more than one person to walk at a time. As Monte's March continues to grow, so does the number of people walking. These measures are to help ensure the safety of everyone involved.
- Marchers must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult.
- All Marchers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and pick-ups.
Can't march? Become a virtual marcher and raise funds online to support the march! There is no suggested fundraising minimum to be a virtual marcher.
Questions about this event? Contact Event Coordinator, Jennifer Therkelsen at [email protected]
Are you a teacher or administrator looking to get your school involved in Monte's March? Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Reynolds at [email protected]
Since 1982, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. We distribute food to our member agencies in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. These independent pantries, meal sites and shelters are on the front lines of emergency food assistance in our region, playing a crucial role helping individuals, families, seniors and children. Every $1 donated to The Food Bank can purchase 4 meals for a family who needs them most.