Sundae fundraiser at Michael’s Dairy to benefit the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center

Michael’s Dairy, Mitchell College, and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut will be holding a fundraiser on Sunday, September 24, 2023. From Noon – 9 p.m. the proceeds of all sales of sundaes will benefit the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center (Food Center).
 
The event is being held in memory of Gemma Moran, founder of the Food Center, who passed away at age 99 in May 2023. A special sundae called “the full shelf” will be available, in honor of Moran and the Food Center, indicating the organization’s hope that the food warehouse shelves would always be full of food to distribute.

Additionally, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Mariner Market, the school’s food pantry, which recently became a member agency of the Food Center. Mitchell College President Tracy Y. Espy and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut President and CEO Dina Sears-Graves will be on-hand for the ceremony.
 
The fundraiser coincides with Hunger Action Month, held annually to raise awareness of hunger and hunger-related issues. In New London County, the overall food insecurity rate is 10.9% while the rate is 12.3% for children. Last year, the Food Center distributed the equivalent of 1.8 million meals at no cost to those in need through its member agencies and Mobile Pantry.
 
The community is encouraged to take action and help those struggling with food insecurity by purchasing a sundae on September 24, making a donation, or running a food drive.
 
Michael’s Dairy is located at 629 Montauk Avenue in New London. Music, games, and activities will be held, in partnership with Mitchell College, from 7-9:00 p.m.
 
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a locally-based non-profit organization supporting a network of health and human services, programs, and initiatives in New London County that work together to help people in need and improve community conditions. Supported programs make an impact in four areas: Basic Needs; Community Wellness; Promoting Independence; and Thriving Children and Youth.
 
United Way operates the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center which provides food to a network of free emergency food programs in New London County and a Mobile Pantry, at no cost to those in need. United Way supports 2-1-1 Connecticut for free information and referral 24/7 and Project Warm-up for one-time, emergency heating assistance. Visit United Way online at www.uwsect.org.