Massachusetts has the fifth-highest food costs in the United States, up 25% from last year, according to Move.org (The Average Cost of Food in the US, Joe Roberts Oct. 9, 2023). Right here on the North Shore, there has been a significant increase in the number of people in need. The Salem Pantry, which provides convenient access to fresh, free, healthy food, reports that September marked a particularly notable milestone, beating a previous record high the month before.
As need has increased, the importance of partnering with local stakeholders to collaborate on fundraising opportunities has become essential to the success of The Salem Pantry’s mission. In preparation for the inevitable surge in demand that comes with the holiday season, board members and benefactors recently sponsored the “Pickleball for The Pantry” tournament. Spearheaded by Mike Shea of Shea Real Estate LLC and Dan Fox of MerryFox Realty, the enormously successful event on Saturday, September 23 at Apex Athletics, brought together a total of 64 participants for a day filled with exciting matches and generous donations.
Proceeds generated will greatly assist The Salem Pantry in their efforts to support their guests throughout the winter. The overwhelming support received for this fun event has inspired The Pantry to make this tournament an annual tradition.
“Supporting the most vulnerable members of the community is crucial.” Mike Shea reminded event participants. “I grew up in Salem. When we come together and dedicate our time and energy to help curb food insecurity, we help our community.”
Dan Fox shared, “Coming up with new and creative ideas for fundraising is imperative to keep donors invested. I love Pickleball and knew that the community of fellow players would want to contribute greatly to our fundraising efforts.”
As part of a super-charged board of heavily invested community members, Shea and Fox both believe in the importance of giving back.
“Part of having a successful business is remembering who got you there and giving back as much as you get. Mike and I both care greatly about our Salem community and make a point of being involved,” Fox explained.
Executive Director Robyn Burns also spoke of the importance of community support. “None of what we do at The Salem Pantry would be possible without our team of dedicated volunteers and generous partners and sponsors. We welcome help at all levels.”
To get involved, contact The Salem Pantry, at info@thesalempantry.org or 978-552-3954.
Many thanks go out to all of the sponsors of this event including, Shea Real Estate, Merry Fox Realty, Gradfin, White Wolf Fitness, Salem Hospital, Bubble Bar Boston, Groom Construction, Cabot Wealth Management, Institution For Savings, Centercorp Retail Properties, Peter and Riley Lutts, Gelineau and Kline, Pitman & Wardley Associates, Tinti & Navins P.C., Gorton & Company P.C., McWalter Volunteer Insurance Agency, Mary and Brian Kennedy, Mazow &McCullough P.C., Salem Wax Museum, Root North Shore, Mike George, Something Natural, Goldberg Properties, Mike Jones, Larry and Judy Shaver, Carrier Transicold of Boston, Liberty Chevrolet, Johnson O’Connor, Prime Group Shetland Park, Remax Beacon, and Hershfield Creative.
