Phoenix, AZ—June 11, 2010 Recognizing a need and finding a solution is not only the way Andy Ahern, CEO of Ahern & Associates, helps his clients; it’s also a way of life. Today, that need comes in the form of depleting food supplies for the homeless and families with children living at or under poverty levels.
Based upon that need, Ahern has decided to once again call upon his colleagues throughout the transportation industry in organizing a summer food drive to aid St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, the nation’s first food bank and the people who depend on their services.
Over the last several years, Ahern’s commitment to fighting hunger has raised over $1,000,000 in food for St. Mary’s Food Bank through the generous contributions of companies like Paschal Truck Lines, North American Transport, LLC, PGT Trucking, American Transport, Inc., Lawrence Leasing, Inc. and the law firm of Benesch, Friedlander, among others.
Under normal economic conditions, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance would likely be in a position to continue their efforts of feeding those in need throughout the summer as a result of holiday season donations. However, the economy has not rebounded as expected and unemployment is at record levels—not only does that have a major effect on charitable contributions, it also provides for a larger pool of needy food recipients.
In addition, the rate of children living in poverty this year will climb to nearly 22%–the highest level in 20 years. Compounding that issue is the reality that children living in homes without a secure source of food has risen from 17% in 2007 to nearly 18% in 2010, or a staggering increase of 750,000 children.
For over 10 years Ahern has supported the efforts of St. Mary’s Food Bank based upon their stellar track record of efficiency and philanthropy; consider the facts:
• Every $1.00 collected by St. Mary’s purchases $7.00 worth of food.
• .96 cents out of every dollar goes back into the community.
• 90% of all funds collected go to feed families with small children and the elderly.
Although the transportation industry as a whole was among the hardest hit from this last recession, Ahern is confident that his supporters throughout the trucking industry will once again heed the call.
“Our friends in the trucking and logistics industries have been steadfast in their support of St. Mary’s every year and even though I’m calling upon their support outside of the holiday season, I’m confident that they’ll continue to show their generosity,” explains Ahern.
Terry Shannon, CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance comments on Ahern’s efforts: “Today’s ongoing economic challenges continue to create unprecedented demand for St Mary’s Food Bank’s emergency food distribution programs. Only through the support of folks like Andy Ahern who are willing to not only personally support our mission but also open up his network of business connections are we able to serve the growing need. We truly appreciate his commitment to feeding the hungry in our community.”
Those who wish to further Ahern’s cause and make a direct contribution can send donations to the following address:
St. Mary’s Food Bank
C/o Ahern & Associates, Ltd
2198 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85016
About 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. Web site: http://www.FirstFoodBank.org Phone: 602-242-FOOD.
About Ahern & Associates, Ltd.:
Ahern and Associates is North America’s leading trucking and transportation management consulting firm. The skilled consultants at Ahern and Associates specialize in mergers and acquisitions of trucking and logistics companies as well as the restructuring and evaluation of existing carriers that seek to increase operating efficiency and improve profitability. Since 1987, Ahern and Associates has aided hundreds of buyers in the acquisition of trucking and logistics companies throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as assisting many transportation and logistics companies in reducing their overall operating costs and increasing their profitability. For more information, please call 602-242-1030 or visit http://www.Ahern-Ltd.com
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Business contact:
A.W. Ahern
602-242-1030
Media contact:
Jason W. Jantzen
Phoenix Marketing Associates
602-282-0202
