Stamp Out Hunger

I suppose one intangible in working at a large company is that I get opportunities to do some cool volunteer work.  They were looking for volunteers to staff the phone bank for this event called "Stamp Out Hunger".  It is a partnership between WCCO, the NFL, Land Of Lakes, Cargill and General Mills. 

So, the 1-day event was held at the MOA (the Best Buy rotunda - on the east side of the mall) on Friday the 8th.  The radio personalities would talk about it, and people were calling in.  The money goes to Feeding America ("Second Harvest") and Taste of the NFL, organizations that deal with feeding those in need.

I took a few calls, not too many.  I kept goofing up on the first few calls.  A computer programmer is not exactly ideally suited for talking with people on  the phone!  I muddled through as best I could, and it was a good experience.  Here is a picture of the phone bank.

The goal was to get 830 "Food Warriors" at $120.  They were about halfway there around 4 PM or so.  Anyone pledging $120 is eligible for a drawing to receive 2 tickets, airfare and lodging for the Super Bowl. 

I had a chance to talk to another General Mills volunteer while the phones were not ringing.  So, it was fun to learn about what she does at the company.  Too often, I do not get out and find out what we do at General Mills.  It was nice to have a change of pace.

I met Matt Blair and also John Alt.  John was an offensive lineman for the KC Chiefs in the 80's and 90's.  Think "The Blind Side".  He was on the left-side.  He is from Columbia Heights and went to school with my neighbor who coached our 8th grade football team last fall.

John is 6' 8".  I am 6' 2".  Big difference!