URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America
to help launch $1-millon challenge to
anti-hunger organizations nationwide
Regional Challenge participants to share knowledge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- February 1, 2001 -- The University of Rhode Island's Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America will help launch the Feinstein 2001 National Million-Dollar Challenge to hunger agencies across the country by recognizing fundraising efforts of regional non-profit organizations. Since it began in 1997, the Challenge has helped raise $100-million to fight hunger in America.

The event takes place on Monday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Paff Auditorium, Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education, URI Providence Campus, 80 Washington Street, Providence.

For the past four years, the Feinstein Challenge has encouraged anti-hunger organizations throughout the country to energize their fundraising efforts. This year, the Feinstein Challenge will divide $1-million proportionally based on the amount raised by organizations during the months of March and April.

To set the stage for 2001, URI's hunger center will highlight non-profit organizations from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island who have used the Feinstein Challenge in the past to enhance their programs and fundraising efforts.

The groups will share their fundraising techniques and programming successes with other non-profits in attendance through presentations and roundtable discussions, creating an opportunity to learn how to make the most of the 2001 Challenge.

Scheduled speakers include Cranston philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein, Feinstein Foundation, Ron Gallo, president Rhode Island Foundation, Robert L. Carothers, president of the University of Rhode Island.

Organizations that participated in the $100,000 Regional December Feinstein Holiday Challenge, will receive their Challenge money award at the event.

Last year, in response to the Feinstein National Million Dollar Challenge, more than 1400 organizations representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia raised more than $32-million. (In Rhode Island, 48 agencies raised more than $683,000.) Since it began in 1997, the Challenge has helped raise $100-million to fight hunger in America.

For Information: Kathleen Gorman, 277-5427,
Kathleen Cevoli, 277-5427,
Jan Sawyer, 874-2116