2011 Harvest of Hope Breakfast October 24, 2011

The Oregon Faith Roundtable Against Hunger hosted its 9th annual Harvest of Hope Breakfast at Congregation Beth Israel on Tuesday, November 8. Congressman Kurt Schrader was the keynote speaker. At the event it was announced that Norene Goplen would be stepping down as OFRAH lead convener and that Matt Newell-Ching of Bread for the World would be taking Norene’s place.

OFRAH also presented our Harvest of Hope Awards at the event. The honorees are listed below.

To see more photos from the event, go to OFRAH’s Facebook page . Don’t forget to “like”us.

2011 Harvest of Hope Award Winners 

Mike Hiland (Bread for the World)
Over the years, Mike Hiland has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to Bread for the World. (Frankly, we all thought he worked for Bread!) He has organized countless offerings of letters in churches throughout the region. Most recently, Mike spearheaded the event “Hunger and the Budget Crisis: A Faith-based Call to Action’” which was attended by nearly 100 people from a wide variety of religious groups. Mike is pictured at right with new Lead Convener Matt Newell-Ching.

Farmers Ending Hunger
Farmers Ending Hunger begins with Oregon farmers and ranchers who raise hundreds of acres of produce, grain and cattle. With a little extra effort, each farmer donates an acre or two to feed the hungry and suddenly their network had thousands of tons of fresh food!

HomePlate Youth Services
HomePlate supports the positive development of young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability through community building, education, access to services and resources, and youth empowerment.  They do this primarily through a drop-in every Monday and Thursday, which includes a free weekly meal and access to a variety of resources.

Portland First United Methodist Church—Special Award
For as long as any of those involved in serving the hungry, the poor or the vulnerable can remember,  Portland First United Methodist has reached out and served other faith communities and not for profits with the same compassion and dedication as it has in its direct service. If the interfaith community needs a place to celebrate, to mourn, or to learn together, they welcome us. Their welcoming community extends beyond bricks. Their pastors, their staff, and their community make space in their building and space in their hearts.