TABLE TO TABLE-Put Food on the Table for Venezuelan Families

(Provo, UT) On Monday, June 19th from 5-9 pm Guru’s Café in Provo for a second time will host “Table to Table” a special fundraiser, food drive, and art sale to benefit families experiencing a devastating food crisis in Venezuela.

This event is open to the public and there are three ways to get involved.  Anyone can come to Guru’s Café that evening and buy a meal, purchase local art, or bring non-perishable food.  Guru’s will donate 60% of each sale to the cause, and 100% of the purchase price for art will go towards buying and shipping food.

With the help of many who contributed to the Table to Table event in December James and Maribel were able to send 38 shipments totaling over 4,000 lbs. of non-perishable food and other personal care items such as diapers, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, first aid supplies into the country. Dozens of families have sent tearful messages thanking all those who have given so generously to relieve their suffering.

The need for food has intensified as the Venezuelan people have been on the streets protesting and demanding change for more than 60 days now. PBS reports, “Some 90 percent of Venezuelans report that food has become too expensive to buy. Hungry mobs are increasingly rioting and looting bakeries and food trucks.” In addition to lack of food, the reports state, “The International Monetary Fund predicts inflation in Venezuela will reach 1,600 percent this year” making food and supplies that are found too expensive to purchase. Many who are being persecuted for their political views and are increasingly leaving the country and seeking political asylum in other countries including the US. Some are relocating to Utah.

In addition another food drop off location has been set up at the ARTcetera Student run gallery in the Provo Towne Centre mall or individuals can donate to the gofundme campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/venezuela-help. Where those from out of the area can participate.

James and Maribel Rees hope that anyone who feels connected to this crisis will take the time to come to Guru’s and enjoy a meal, buy beautiful art, drop off food or other items or contribute through the gofundme campaign.  They know that the generosity of others has made a huge difference for children and families in Venezuela and they want to be able to continue to provide some measure of relief for some families.

EVENT INFORMATION

Monday, June 19th, 5-9 PM

Guru’s Café, 45 E. Center Street, Provo, UT 84604