July 4, 2025 • 25 mins
Ever wondered how food banks actually work? In this enlightening conversation with Julie Damer, Director of Marketing and Communications at Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, we pull back the curtain on the complex system that feeds 89,000+ food insecure neighbors across four counties.
Julie shares the crucial distinction between food banks (which function like distribution centers) and food pantries (where individuals actually receive food). We explore innovative programs like Feed Rogers, a client-choice pantry that revolutionizes traditional food assistance by allowing people to schedule appointments and shop with dignity for items that meet their specific dietary needs. This approach replaces the old model of pre-assembled boxes that might contain foods someone can't eat or doesn't know how to prepare.
The conversation takes us through the stark reality of food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas — including the shocking statistic that over 22,000 local children don't know where their next meal is coming from. Julie explains how anyone can suddenly find themselves food insecure: "It could be a job loss, a huge medical expense, or even just a car breaking down unexpectedly." These situations highlight why the food bank's work remains crucial even in a seemingly prosperous region. Whether you're curious about how donated food reaches those in need, looking to support local hunger relief efforts, or simply want to understand the mechanics behind food security initiatives, this episode offers meaningful insights into the systems working tirelessly to ensure everyone has enough to eat. As Julie powerfully reminds us: "When I go to work, I can come home and know that even if I had the worst day ever, I've still helped feed somebody."
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Hey everybody, welcome to the 3W podcast.
I'm your host, Kasie Yokley.
I've got my friend here fromthe food bank, the Northwest
Arkansas Food Bank to be exactJulie Damer.
Yes, welcome back.
Thank you so much, because weare part two, so I hope you all
caught part one.
It was all about the summercereal drive, but now we're
going to dive into who Julie isand what the food bank is.
(00:25):
So, Julie, yes, what is yourtitle?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
my title is director of marketing and communications,
which is a little deceiving,and you're kind of my end-all,
be-all out of the food bank.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Well, thank you, yes, I, and have been for years
actually I try but my job is tospread the word about the food
bank, to let people know thatwe're here, and ways you can
donate, ways you can volunteer,ways you can find food.
So really it's just a littlebit of everything, but it's yeah
, it's a good job.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
And when I met you, I feel like I met you before
COVID, correct, okay, justmaking sure.
Yes, and I met you at aneighborhood market, ironically,
and you had come at aneighborhood market ironically
and you had come from a bank andyou're like, oh, I thought I'd
never work in banking again.
And I'm like hilarious, becausenow you're at a food bank.
I did.
It was the funniest littleone-liner to me because you're
not in banking but you workagain at a bank.
(01:18):
I never thought that.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
I would go from a for-profit bank to a nonprofit
bank and talk about completelydifferent roles.
Yeah, and with this job one ofthe great things about it and I
think anybody at the food bankwill tell you as well we're not
there for the money.
No, we're not there for theglory, we're there to do a job
(01:39):
and it's nice to be able to knowthat when I go to work, I can
come home and know that if I hadthe worst day ever, I've still
helped feed somebody that day.
So it's a feel good job I callit a feel good job.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It is a feel good job .
Yeah, and I think, kent, I canbury your boss or fearless
leader who likes the word boss?
Yes, you're fearless leader.
We'll call him that he opens upevery mic because he hates a
mic, but every time he's likebecause of you out in the
community, somebody will eattoday and that's the chair.
Blind yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
And so every single person there has a job to do,
and we all work together to makeit happen, and that's how food
comes into the building, that'show food goes out of the
building, and ends up onsomebody's table that night and
the food bank is a bank, so youwill like it is.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Nobody comes to correct me if I'm wrong.
Okay, you don't come shop atthe food bank, that is correct.
Shop at a food pantry yes, thathas been serviced by the bank.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yes, which is a very Right Kind of so kind of think
of it as this I kind of, sincewe live in the Walmart area,
think of it.
We're kind of like the WalmartDC.
Our partner agencies are likethe stores.
So we source and buy food thatgoes into our Northwest Arkansas
(02:58):
Food Bank Distribution Centerand then that food goes out to
our agency partners that serveour neighbors in need so let's
pick an agency partner to use asan example, be the 479 okay, so
it's a bring seven based out ofspringdale uh, there's one in
springdale.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
Yes, okay, I'm like I've driven by it, so that to me
that's the only one, butobviously there might be more, I
believe it's a part of crosschurch okay, yes, I correct.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
I mean I could be.
I think you're right.
I think you're right.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
I think you're right-ish and we're just totally
right-ish in this podcast.
That's just how this podcastrolls Absolutely 100%.
Yes, correct, they have.
You all have a website and I'msure they have like a portal
login.
They do.
They place an order, a veryspecific order, with y'all.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
They go on just like you would place your Walmart
order.
You would go online, pick youritems and then those items are
picked, put on pallets, put on atruck and delivered to Feed the
479.
Then on their distribution days, people go in to Feed the 479
and they shop and that's howthey get the food I mean.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
I just I love that.
And then what about Feed Rogers?
Does it operate similarly?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Feedgers is a unique, I love special place.
Yes, that's actually the foodbanks.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
That's our pantry that's your pantry all right,
and if y'all don't know aboutthe uh feed rogers.
It's kind of on the edge ofdowntown rogers, caddy corner,
from the saint vincent anddepaul catholic school, 13th
street, 13th yes, 13th andpoplar or cypress one of them,
correct, because I'm like Idon't know which one.
But yeah, somewhere aroundthere you can absolutely find it
(04:29):
and it is set up like a minigrocery store with carts and
everything, and if you're Idon't know, I guess anyone can
just walk in there.
I don't know the details onthat the feed rogers is a unique
property.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Like I said, that's something that we own and
operate.
So, um, clients set upappointments to come in there,
so we make appointments online.
They have a login with apassword, they go in and they
make their appointments whenit's convenient for them and
then they actually come in andshop.
We only allow a certain amountof people into the store each
day and there's a limited numberof spots that are available.
(05:04):
So, pick their day and theirtime.
They come in and they actuallyshop for the items that they
want, instead of receiving a boxof pre-made food that we assume
that you're going to want anduse.
Right, you know, there's a lotof people that have dietary
restrictions or allergies,things like that, or maybe it's
something that they just don'tlike, you know, but it, yes, it
is, and it makes it's anotherlevel of humility.
(05:27):
You know.
Yes, we give it's dignity to goget your own food, yes, and we
want people to feel like theyare very important when they
walk in there.
We want them to feel like, youknow, they're welcome.
We don't want anybody to feeluncomfortable, and so that's why
we do it like that.
We have them make theappointment on their schedule.
(05:51):
They come in and shop for theirfamily.
They check out um to thecheckout counters, we bag it and
they take those free food hometo their family.
So it's, it's a really how manyyears.
Oh, but are we three to fouryears?
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I believe this is the fourth year.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Okay on feed rogers, yeah, um, super successful it is
and we would love to open upmore like that.
If we had some special funding,that would come in for that
would be great.
If you want to sponsor that,yeah, get ahold of me.
But there's, we're trying toget a lot of our agency partners
to go to the client choiceprocess because it is so much
(06:21):
more dignified for somebody tocome in and actually shop for
their family, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
And it feels like it's more organized because
they're booking the appointment,so your staff knows exactly
what's happening for the day,versus like a pantry
distribution in a parking lot,for example.
Right, you know what's coming.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Yes, we know what's in inventory and we know that
this inventory can feed thisamount of families.
The drive-thru model iswonderful for people that don't
have a building, as fortunate aswe are with FeedRogers, and
that's their only way todistribute Right Obviously still
successful, Correct andnecessary Right.
But you know it's our goal toget as many to go to the client
(07:03):
choice in some way as possibleand our programs and client
services teams are really doinga good job trying to help agency
partners convert to that.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Well, let's talk about agency partners.
So we service four counties.
We do Benton, carroll,washington and Madison.
Okay, and if you're not fromArkansas or like me, tell me a
town that is in the Sebastianand the Madison County.
Or did you say Sebastian?
Sebastian is the River Valley.
River Valley Considered theRiver Valley.
Yes, fort Smith, correct, okay.
(07:33):
And then Madison is Madison.
Give me a town in Madison, ohgoodness.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
You put me a little.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I know I'm sorry because I have to ask, that's
all.
I believe.
Okay, I have to ask Hasnell, Ibelieve.
Okay, yes, yes, like going outtowards Branson, towards the
lake area, right, that's.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I believe that would be Carroll County, but Madison
is more to the west.
Okay see, oh my God.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
So Greenwood, I believe I've heard of that.
Yes, that area.
Okay, ask me anywhere in Bentonand Washington.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Oh my God, I've been in Washington County.
I'm not from Arkansas either,I'm still in the learning
process.
Four counties, I'm like.
Is that a county or a city?
I don't know what if somebodytells me those are counties.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
So four counties.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
So that's what our food bank services?
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Yes, and there's more than 89,000 food insecure
people in those four countiesthe latest data that we got from
Feeding America, who we are apartner.
As from Feeding America, who weare a partner, as there's
22,230 children in the fourcounties that we serve that are
considered food insecure.
Okay, and food insecure meansyou do not know where your next
(08:33):
meal is coming from.
Okay At all At all.
Okay.
So it could be something thatyou know.
Loss of a job it could be.
You know you had a huge medicalexpense that arose that you
weren't expecting.
It could be something that youknow.
Both parents work, havechildren go to school.
Maybe one of them loses theirjobs.
(08:55):
That's half their income that'scoming in.
Let's say, their car breaksdown.
That's something unexpected,absolutely All of a sudden.
They're in need.
So that's where our agencypartners come in and that's why
our donations and our supportfor the North West Arkansas Food
Bank is so important.
So crucial.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
We talked about this in part one for just a second,
but we do hope that you'reunemployed by one day, correct,
because that means food securityis eradicated.
Yes, we've solved the problem,yes, yes, but it's not solved
yet.
So keep donating, and we'regoing to touch on events, but
let's give it one more shout out, just regardless of when this
(09:32):
airs, because you can stilldonate anytime, all day, any day
.
Yes, there is a summer cerealkickoff or drive going right now
, and it kicked off officiallyon the first, but we just
shouted it out to the public aweek ago, correct?
But um, cereal is so importantbecause kids can make it
themselves and it's veryaccessible and it lasts right.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
They don't have to cook, they don't have to light
the stove, they don't have toput in the microwave.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
They actually open the box portable, put some milk
in and the meal's done right,and so that's a huge source, and
it was a food in your pantries,I'm sure.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Yes, shelf-stable items are very important because
they go a long ways.
If you think of like a can ofgreen beans, you can get four or
five servings out of a can ofgreen beans even, and they all
sit there and last it will Right.
And cereal is so important.
So our cereal drive is June 1stthrough the 30th.
(10:25):
All the information is on ourwebsite, nwafoodbankorg, so you
can go on there and learn allabout it and also ways to donate
, you can just donate.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
You don't even have to go buy the cereal, correct,
but if you're going to obviouslygo buy the General Mills cereal
, just tell them.
Casey sent you because they'rea partner of ours.
But all the partners at thefood bank are amazing, all of
them, all of them, they are.
So that was June, so we'regoing to back up to April really
quick, because we just had thethird annual Game Show Battle.
(10:55):
Yes, and that is super uniqueand I feel like it is family
feud driven.
It is Right Between the vendors.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
It is Okay, and that is a copyright.
So that's why we call it GameShow Battle, nwa.
But it is Family Feud style.
We have a host with competingteams.
I feel like is Jacqueline Housethe host?
She's our emcee, emcee, okay,kim Daniels is on our
development team.
She's amazing.
She does the actual host partof it and it does the actual
(11:27):
host part of it.
And it's where vendors competeagainst each other like families
.
So there'll be a round one andthe winner advances, the loser
goes home.
Uh, round two, the winner, andthen it's bracket play.
So at the end of the night weaward a huge trophy to the
winning team.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
it is a huge trophy, it is a huge trophy and I feel
like they're centerpieces by thevendors as well.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Yes, tables yes, it's always hilarious, yeah it's,
it's a good time, creative, it'sa very.
You can get some reallycreative people thinking when
they're thinking about thingslike this.
Um, and this is a concept thathas grown over the years.
We started out I believe it waseight and we've actually turned
people away, like we have awaiting list that's amazing,
because we can't have a gameshow all day and all night,
(12:06):
right?
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Although people want us to, we're not sure.
Maybe we do it twice a year, soI don't know, but that's
hilarious, I love it and that'sfun, because these vendors are
super competitive, andrightfully so they are some of
them actually hold competitiontryouts in their office to see
who is going to be the fivemembers of their team.
This is amazing.
Yeah, I love this.
We need to do like someInstagram on that leading up to
(12:30):
that, because that's hilarious.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Yeah, it's good time I can give you the teams for
next year.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
So that happened in April this year, I feel like in
the years before might have beenin May, but this year I feel
like it was in April.
So are we gonna stay withspring next year?
April, may that year I feellike it was in april.
So are we gonna stay withspring?
Next year, april?
Yes, that's the plan.
Okay, perfect.
And then let's jump ahead toseptember, and it's not
necessarily a an event heavymonth, but it's an awareness
(12:59):
month, it is september is hungeraction month and hunger is um
hunger.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
action month is a concept of Feeding America and
the color orange representshunger.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
Which is why.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
I wore this today.
Thank you so much.
I appreciate it.
I noticed you had that on.
I appreciate that.
So we encourage everything.
Orange in September we havespecial shirts that we're going
to be selling this year.
We encourage people to wearorange as much as possible, so
people ask them about it.
People to wear orange as muchas possible, so people ask them
about it.
Businesses we ask them to lightup their buildings, their
outside, lighting theirfountains in orange, which
(13:30):
several have done that over theyears.
That's awesome.
We have special events.
This year on the 18th ofSeptember, we're hosting the
Rogers Lowell Area Chamber ofCommerce Networking with a
Purpose event.
That is so many words.
That is so many words.
That is so many words.
It's going to be 5 to 630 atour location at 1604 Honeysuckle
(13:51):
Street in Rogers Perfect.
And it's where nonprofits cancome and set up a booth.
They have to go through thechamber to get registered for
the booth space, but then whenpeople come in they can learn
about those nonprofits,including the Northwest Arkansas
Food Bank.
But that's a collaborativeeffort for you all inviting more
(14:12):
nonprofits into your space thanit is, because we don't want to
work against anyone.
We want to help and collaboratewith as many nonprofits as
possible, because you're notonly.
Our theory is you're not onlyfeeding somebody, but you're
going to help them get out ofthat situation if you can.
So it might be something likeresume writing, or it could be
something like dress for success, where you could give them some
clothes to go on an interview,or it could be something that
(14:35):
it's a health issue, where wecan hook them up with a medical
service that can help them.
So it's a great opportunity tolearn about nonprofits.
The Rogers Lowell Area Chamberof Commerce will be glad to give
you more information.
Ask for Shelly Summers, afriend of mine.
She'll have all the details foryou and it's going to be a
great night, that's awesome andI feel like you'll always put a
calendar out.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
We do Of September, of different ways you can engage
.
We do Hunger action.
We give some gestures for eachday.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
I love it give some gestures for each day.
I love it, whether it be, youknow, try to eat on allotted
SNAP meals, whatever.
That is for the year.
I believe last year it was$5.74 a day.
So we ask every person in ouroffice to try to eat on $5.74 a
day, which is what is SNAP wasallowed.
(15:23):
You know things like that.
That's hard, it's very hard.
You can to go through adrive-thru for that.
People are actually doing thisokay in your life, so they have
to be creative.
Um, so it kind of gives you areality of how people are
actually living, which we arestruggling.
Yeah, so it kind of humbles youa little bit, absolutely,
because when you try to you, youjust said drive-thru, you can't
(15:44):
, they're, they're not going todrive-thru, because if they have
more than one person, they'redone.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
I mean, that's just they're out of money, then yeah,
absolutely so.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
We're trying to, you know, make aware.
It's more of an awareness monthfor us, just letting people
know that the struggle is real.
It's here in Northwest Arkansas, even though we live in a very
wealthy community.
You know there's lots ofactivities and nice things
around here, but there's also alot of hunger too.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
And we don't see it.
You don't, you can drive aroundit.
It's not like a big city whereyou might see it on In a more
pedestrian walking city.
Exactly, I've always 3WLB.
I mean, we're going to put outthe 18th issue in January and so
I remember like 15 plus yearsago when we started this,
somebody was talking to us aboutprom dresses and homelessness
(16:33):
and doing dresses for kids atFayetteville High School and
they're like you don't not you,casey, but like we as a
community don't understandhomelessness because you can
drive around it and you don'thave to see it if you don't want
to see it.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
And I wasn't even aware of it when I moved here.
I knew that there was some andreduced lunches.
There's several of them in ourservice area of the four
counties that we serve that are98 99 percent free and reduced
(17:10):
mind-boggling.
So that just tells you thatthose families are struggling.
Yes, so we're here to help.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
yes, we definitely have a gap in high and low.
Yes, yes, and it is mindboggling to see what schools are
90 plus percent free andreduced.
There's a lot.
It's painful, there's a lot.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
So September we call it Hunger Action Month.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
I call it Hunger Action Awareness Month.
I always put an extra A inthere.
I love that.
It's like, hey, I love it.
That's how I say it, we mightchange that, don't we do Tweak
it a little?
I absolutely do.
And I was like, oh yeah, my God, I put an X in there.
I like it, I like it.
But yeah, you all engage andreally energize the community
for 30 days of orange and allthe things yes, okay, and so
(17:53):
then October.
Let's talk about this becausethis is fun, because I had it
wrong on my notes.
I had to fix it, but we areretooling per se jewels of
giving and it's going to beflavor of giving, and I will
throw 3W under the bus becauseit is September TBD, not TWA.
That is an old airline from 100years ago, tbd.
(18:17):
So 3W is wrong.
It's October 9th.
Now it is, and it's notcompletely your 3w school.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
I will take partial blame on that because we had to
adjust the date after wesubmitted that fair, no worries.
So magazines are printedextremely early because of the
printing um, but it's notcompletely your fault so we'll
take.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
We'll take partial.
Thank you, I'm like it's okay,we're up, it's already updated
online and all the social mediawill be out and about.
But October 9th, the newlyunveiled Flavors of Giving it is
.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
Flavor of Giving is a new concept.
It's my baby.
Now I'm also in charge ofevents that involve either
employees or fundraising, sothis is our biggest event.
Like you said, it used to becalled Jewels of Giving.
We completely rebranded it toflavor of giving.
It's going to be at the osagehouse, october the 9th, at four
o'clock to seven o'clock, soit's a come and go come when you
(19:09):
want, stay as long as you want,leave when you need to, and
we're hoping that this will givea fresh new look to an event
that the food bank does.
We are limiting the amount ofpeople that can get in there, so
tickets are on sale.
You get the information on ourwebsite.
Uh, we've got some greatsponsors.
Unilever is our presentingsponsor again this year, so
(19:31):
thank you, unilever, um, butit's going to be a fun, unique
evening.
Speaker 1 (19:36):
Are you giving up any details yet?
Speaker 2 (19:38):
I can give you one detail of the main highlight of
the event is going to be calledthe Giving Market.
I don't want to tell you toomuch, but it's going to be a
unique shopping experience thatwill allow you to help others
put food on their table at night.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
You know what it's emulating to me.
I'm not going to try, I'm notgoing to give a bunch.
Just think about the littlekids shopping market at the
Amazium.
That's perfect.
That perfect hint to me is whatit's emulating and it's going
to be so hands on it is and sounique and so fun and create
conversation.
It is.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
And one of the things that I will tell you we are
going to have flavor stationsaround the venue with different
small plates for you to enjoy,and those are going to be a take
on our sponsors.
So Tyson Foods is going to beone of our sponsors.
They're going to sponsor theprotein, so one of the flavor
stations will be a Tyson fooditem.
(20:35):
Okay, yes, that you can enjoy.
It's not going to be thetypical food that you find in
events.
It's going to be no banquetvalue, a little bit more of a
mystery sauce.
No, no banquet value, but themystery sauce.
These are things that you'regoing to actually, uh, want to
go and enjoy, and I thinkeveryone will be pleasantly
surprised.
Uh, there'll be a huge bar inthe middle for people to enjoy
(20:55):
beverages.
We will have a signaturecocktail and our um, we'll have
a few more surprises.
So I don't want to give too muchaway.
Do you have your chairs lockedin?
We have bulging them.
We are not going to divulgethat.
Those are still secret.
Uh, we do have some surpriseguests coming.
Um, it's going to be fun.
(21:15):
Surprise, there will not be aprogram which everybody is
thrilled about, absolutely so,um, it's going to be a good time
.
I sound like oh, thank goodness, but I don't Absolutely, so
it's going to be a good time, Isound like oh, thank goodness,
but I don't mean it like that.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
It's just because I know what you do.
I think the people coming knowwhat you do and you know what
the need is, and let's justcreate conversation and give and
do good.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
We want your money, but we want you to come and have
a fun, enjoyable time.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
I love that you started with.
We want your money.
We do.
Money pays the bills they do.
I love it when people are likeI'm not here for the money.
I'm like we're all here for themoney because money pays the
bills and money helps us do good.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
We distributed in 2024 over 14.9 million pounds of
food.
That's insane.
So that food was not alldonated.
We had to purchase that foodwith donations.
So we do need money and this isour largest fundraiser and
we're hoping that we will havean enormous amount of money at
the end of the night to purchasemore food to help our neighbors
(22:09):
in need.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
So great, so October 9th tickets are on sale right
now.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
We're limiting those to 400 tickets total, which is
really small, it is.
Speaker 1 (22:20):
I love that.
It's exclusive.
That makes the event intimate.
It's exclusive, yes, well,congratulations to you.
Thank you, it's going to begreat.
Yes, that's going to come along way.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
I'll definitely be there.
3w is one of our sponsors, sothank you very much.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
I appreciate that.
We love you guys Love.
I think that might be it onevents.
Oh, there is a corporate fooddrive.
Sorry, I didn't have it listed.
It's the corporate food drivechallenge sponsored by Spectrum
in November.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
The brands will be in October-ish, November-ish.
I lied again.
More details to come on that.
We're still working out some ofthe final details on that, but
that will happen this year.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
But that's a fun one because it's another challenge.
Our vendors love challenges.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
They do, and they compete against organizations
and companies that are theirsize.
So if you have 50 people inyour office, you're going to
compete against a company thathas 50 people in your office.
We're not going to put youagainst a company that has 5,000
.
So there's categories, so it'sall equal, fair play, and
there's some great trophies forthat as well, and we will have a
huge celebration.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
I was going to gonna say I feel like usually there's
a commencement to go with it,there will be and it will be.
Um, it'll be a good time too.
I love that more detail, somany exciting events and I love
that it's been super creative.
You never stop reinventing theevents.
That's the goal a lot of peopledo and that's okay too, because
there's a place for everyoneand you can't beat a classic.
Yes, but it's okay to reinventand retool and constantly move
forward on things.
I love it.
(23:47):
Yes, thank you, and especiallyas somebody and I'm sure if
Ashley was sitting here shewould attest to it as well as
somebody who goes to many of theevents she does, and she goes
to more of them than I do, so Iwill put her front and center.
Yes, it's front and center.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
yes, um, it's nice to see a change, thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
So, yeah, kudos to you and your team.
Thank you very much.
Times are changing, I knowright, the only constant is
change.
Yes, that's true.
Yes, okay, well, I will putmyself under the bus one more
time because I forgot in partone to shout out our sponsor,
kershey salty snacks, home ofskinny pop, dots homestyle
pretzels, which, again, I saythis every time I hope you are
trying those dots homestylepretzels, cinnamon sugar and if
(24:27):
you are not, let me know,because they are freaking divine
, they're amazing.
They're amazing.
And the pirate booty.
So you can't go wrong with somepirate booty.
Um, special shout out and thankyou to them.
They're the official 3w podcastsponsor.
So anything else you'd like toadd?
Speaker 2 (24:40):
about the food bank.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
No, if you want a tour, buy some cereal and buy
some cereal.
Buy some cereal.
Go, grab a tour, find a lot oforange so that you can get ready
for September and we'll see younext time.
So thank you, Julie, thank you,appreciate it.
I don't know what I'm trying tosay, but just thank you and
keep inspiring the culture ofgiving.
See y'all.
Hey everybody, welcome to the 3W podcast.
I'm your host, Kasie Yokley.
I've got my friend here fromthe food bank, the Northwest
Arkansas Food Bank to be exactJulie Damer.
Yes, welcome back.
Thank you so much, because weare part two, so I hope you all
caught part one.
It was all about the summercereal drive, but now we're
going to dive into who Julie isand what the food bank is.
(00:25):
So, Julie, yes, what is yourtitle?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
my title is director of marketing and communications,
which is a little deceiving,and you're kind of my end-all,
be-all out of the food bank.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Well, thank you, yes, I, and have been for years
actually I try but my job is tospread the word about the food
bank, to let people know thatwe're here, and ways you can
donate, ways you can volunteer,ways you can find food.
So really it's just a littlebit of everything, but it's yeah
, it's a good job.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
And when I met you, I feel like I met you before
COVID, correct, okay, justmaking sure.
Yes, and I met you at aneighborhood market, ironically,
and you had come at aneighborhood market ironically
and you had come from a bank andyou're like, oh, I thought I'd
never work in banking again.
And I'm like hilarious, becausenow you're at a food bank.
I did.
It was the funniest littleone-liner to me because you're
not in banking but you workagain at a bank.
(01:18):
I never thought that.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
I would go from a for-profit bank to a nonprofit
bank and talk about completelydifferent roles.
Yeah, and with this job one ofthe great things about it and I
think anybody at the food bankwill tell you as well we're not
there for the money.
No, we're not there for theglory, we're there to do a job
(01:39):
and it's nice to be able to knowthat when I go to work, I can
come home and know that if I hadthe worst day ever, I've still
helped feed somebody that day.
So it's a feel good job I callit a feel good job.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It is a feel good job .
Yeah, and I think, kent, I canbury your boss or fearless
leader who likes the word boss?
Yes, you're fearless leader.
We'll call him that he opens upevery mic because he hates a
mic, but every time he's likebecause of you out in the
community, somebody will eattoday and that's the chair.
Blind yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
And so every single person there has a job to do,
and we all work together to makeit happen, and that's how food
comes into the building, that'show food goes out of the
building, and ends up onsomebody's table that night and
the food bank is a bank, so youwill like it is.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Nobody comes to correct me if I'm wrong.
Okay, you don't come shop atthe food bank, that is correct.
Shop at a food pantry yes, thathas been serviced by the bank.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yes, which is a very Right Kind of so kind of think
of it as this I kind of, sincewe live in the Walmart area,
think of it.
We're kind of like the WalmartDC.
Our partner agencies are likethe stores.
So we source and buy food thatgoes into our Northwest Arkansas
(02:58):
Food Bank Distribution Centerand then that food goes out to
our agency partners that serveour neighbors in need so let's
pick an agency partner to use asan example, be the 479 okay, so
it's a bring seven based out ofspringdale uh, there's one in
springdale.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
Yes, okay, I'm like I've driven by it, so that to me
that's the only one, butobviously there might be more, I
believe it's a part of crosschurch okay, yes, I correct.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
I mean I could be.
I think you're right.
I think you're right.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
I think you're right-ish and we're just totally
right-ish in this podcast.
That's just how this podcastrolls Absolutely 100%.
Yes, correct, they have.
You all have a website and I'msure they have like a portal
login.
They do.
They place an order, a veryspecific order, with y'all.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
They go on just like you would place your Walmart
order.
You would go online, pick youritems and then those items are
picked, put on pallets, put on atruck and delivered to Feed the
479.
Then on their distribution days, people go in to Feed the 479
and they shop and that's howthey get the food I mean.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
I just I love that.
And then what about Feed Rogers?
Does it operate similarly?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Feedgers is a unique, I love special place.
Yes, that's actually the foodbanks.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
That's our pantry that's your pantry all right,
and if y'all don't know aboutthe uh feed rogers.
It's kind of on the edge ofdowntown rogers, caddy corner,
from the saint vincent anddepaul catholic school, 13th
street, 13th yes, 13th andpoplar or cypress one of them,
correct, because I'm like Idon't know which one.
But yeah, somewhere aroundthere you can absolutely find it
(04:29):
and it is set up like a minigrocery store with carts and
everything, and if you're Idon't know, I guess anyone can
just walk in there.
I don't know the details onthat the feed rogers is a unique
property.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Like I said, that's something that we own and
operate.
So, um, clients set upappointments to come in there,
so we make appointments online.
They have a login with apassword, they go in and they
make their appointments whenit's convenient for them and
then they actually come in andshop.
We only allow a certain amountof people into the store each
day and there's a limited numberof spots that are available.
(05:04):
So, pick their day and theirtime.
They come in and they actuallyshop for the items that they
want, instead of receiving a boxof pre-made food that we assume
that you're going to want anduse.
Right, you know, there's a lotof people that have dietary
restrictions or allergies,things like that, or maybe it's
something that they just don'tlike, you know, but it, yes, it
is, and it makes it's anotherlevel of humility.
(05:27):
You know.
Yes, we give it's dignity to goget your own food, yes, and we
want people to feel like theyare very important when they
walk in there.
We want them to feel like, youknow, they're welcome.
We don't want anybody to feeluncomfortable, and so that's why
we do it like that.
We have them make theappointment on their schedule.
(05:51):
They come in and shop for theirfamily.
They check out um to thecheckout counters, we bag it and
they take those free food hometo their family.
So it's, it's a really how manyyears.
Oh, but are we three to fouryears?
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I believe this is the fourth year.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Okay on feed rogers, yeah, um, super successful it is
and we would love to open upmore like that.
If we had some special funding,that would come in for that
would be great.
If you want to sponsor that,yeah, get ahold of me.
But there's, we're trying toget a lot of our agency partners
to go to the client choiceprocess because it is so much
(06:21):
more dignified for somebody tocome in and actually shop for
their family, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
And it feels like it's more organized because
they're booking the appointment,so your staff knows exactly
what's happening for the day,versus like a pantry
distribution in a parking lot,for example.
Right, you know what's coming.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Yes, we know what's in inventory and we know that
this inventory can feed thisamount of families.
The drive-thru model iswonderful for people that don't
have a building, as fortunate aswe are with FeedRogers, and
that's their only way todistribute Right Obviously still
successful, Correct andnecessary Right.
But you know it's our goal toget as many to go to the client
(07:03):
choice in some way as possibleand our programs and client
services teams are really doinga good job trying to help agency
partners convert to that.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Well, let's talk about agency partners.
So we service four counties.
We do Benton, carroll,washington and Madison.
Okay, and if you're not fromArkansas or like me, tell me a
town that is in the Sebastianand the Madison County.
Or did you say Sebastian?
Sebastian is the River Valley.
River Valley Considered theRiver Valley.
Yes, fort Smith, correct, okay.
(07:33):
And then Madison is Madison.
Give me a town in Madison, ohgoodness.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
You put me a little.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I know I'm sorry because I have to ask, that's
all.
I believe.
Okay, I have to ask Hasnell, Ibelieve.
Okay, yes, yes, like going outtowards Branson, towards the
lake area, right, that's.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I believe that would be Carroll County, but Madison
is more to the west.
Okay see, oh my God.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
So Greenwood, I believe I've heard of that.
Yes, that area.
Okay, ask me anywhere in Bentonand Washington.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Oh my God, I've been in Washington County.
I'm not from Arkansas either,I'm still in the learning
process.
Four counties, I'm like.
Is that a county or a city?
I don't know what if somebodytells me those are counties.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
So four counties.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
So that's what our food bank services?
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Yes, and there's more than 89,000 food insecure
people in those four countiesthe latest data that we got from
Feeding America, who we are apartner.
As from Feeding America, who weare a partner, as there's
22,230 children in the fourcounties that we serve that are
considered food insecure.
Okay, and food insecure meansyou do not know where your next
(08:33):
meal is coming from.
Okay At all At all.
Okay.
So it could be something thatyou know.
Loss of a job it could be.
You know you had a huge medicalexpense that arose that you
weren't expecting.
It could be something that youknow.
Both parents work, havechildren go to school.
Maybe one of them loses theirjobs.
(08:55):
That's half their income that'scoming in.
Let's say, their car breaksdown.
That's something unexpected,absolutely All of a sudden.
They're in need.
So that's where our agencypartners come in and that's why
our donations and our supportfor the North West Arkansas Food
Bank is so important.
So crucial.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
We talked about this in part one for just a second,
but we do hope that you'reunemployed by one day, correct,
because that means food securityis eradicated.
Yes, we've solved the problem,yes, yes, but it's not solved
yet.
So keep donating, and we'regoing to touch on events, but
let's give it one more shout out, just regardless of when this
(09:32):
airs, because you can stilldonate anytime, all day, any day
.
Yes, there is a summer cerealkickoff or drive going right now
, and it kicked off officiallyon the first, but we just
shouted it out to the public aweek ago, correct?
But um, cereal is so importantbecause kids can make it
themselves and it's veryaccessible and it lasts right.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
They don't have to cook, they don't have to light
the stove, they don't have toput in the microwave.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
They actually open the box portable, put some milk
in and the meal's done right,and so that's a huge source, and
it was a food in your pantries,I'm sure.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Yes, shelf-stable items are very important because
they go a long ways.
If you think of like a can ofgreen beans, you can get four or
five servings out of a can ofgreen beans even, and they all
sit there and last it will Right.
And cereal is so important.
So our cereal drive is June 1stthrough the 30th.
(10:25):
All the information is on ourwebsite, nwafoodbankorg, so you
can go on there and learn allabout it and also ways to donate
, you can just donate.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
You don't even have to go buy the cereal, correct,
but if you're going to obviouslygo buy the General Mills cereal
, just tell them.
Casey sent you because they'rea partner of ours.
But all the partners at thefood bank are amazing, all of
them, all of them, they are.
So that was June, so we'regoing to back up to April really
quick, because we just had thethird annual Game Show Battle.
(10:55):
Yes, and that is super uniqueand I feel like it is family
feud driven.
It is Right Between the vendors.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
It is Okay, and that is a copyright.
So that's why we call it GameShow Battle, nwa.
But it is Family Feud style.
We have a host with competingteams.
I feel like is Jacqueline Housethe host?
She's our emcee, emcee, okay,kim Daniels is on our
development team.
She's amazing.
She does the actual host partof it and it does the actual
(11:27):
host part of it.
And it's where vendors competeagainst each other like families
.
So there'll be a round one andthe winner advances, the loser
goes home.
Uh, round two, the winner, andthen it's bracket play.
So at the end of the night weaward a huge trophy to the
winning team.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
it is a huge trophy, it is a huge trophy and I feel
like they're centerpieces by thevendors as well.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Yes, tables yes, it's always hilarious, yeah it's,
it's a good time, creative, it'sa very.
You can get some reallycreative people thinking when
they're thinking about thingslike this.
Um, and this is a concept thathas grown over the years.
We started out I believe it waseight and we've actually turned
people away, like we have awaiting list that's amazing,
because we can't have a gameshow all day and all night,
(12:06):
right?
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Although people want us to, we're not sure.
Maybe we do it twice a year, soI don't know, but that's
hilarious, I love it and that'sfun, because these vendors are
super competitive, andrightfully so they are some of
them actually hold competitiontryouts in their office to see
who is going to be the fivemembers of their team.
This is amazing.
Yeah, I love this.
We need to do like someInstagram on that leading up to
(12:30):
that, because that's hilarious.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Yeah, it's good time I can give you the teams for
next year.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
So that happened in April this year, I feel like in
the years before might have beenin May, but this year I feel
like it was in April.
So are we gonna stay withspring next year?
April, may that year I feellike it was in april.
So are we gonna stay withspring?
Next year, april?
Yes, that's the plan.
Okay, perfect.
And then let's jump ahead toseptember, and it's not
necessarily a an event heavymonth, but it's an awareness
(12:59):
month, it is september is hungeraction month and hunger is um
hunger.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
action month is a concept of Feeding America and
the color orange representshunger.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
Which is why.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
I wore this today.
Thank you so much.
I appreciate it.
I noticed you had that on.
I appreciate that.
So we encourage everything.
Orange in September we havespecial shirts that we're going
to be selling this year.
We encourage people to wearorange as much as possible, so
people ask them about it.
People to wear orange as muchas possible, so people ask them
about it.
Businesses we ask them to lightup their buildings, their
outside, lighting theirfountains in orange, which
(13:30):
several have done that over theyears.
That's awesome.
We have special events.
This year on the 18th ofSeptember, we're hosting the
Rogers Lowell Area Chamber ofCommerce Networking with a
Purpose event.
That is so many words.
That is so many words.
That is so many words.
It's going to be 5 to 630 atour location at 1604 Honeysuckle
(13:51):
Street in Rogers Perfect.
And it's where nonprofits cancome and set up a booth.
They have to go through thechamber to get registered for
the booth space, but then whenpeople come in they can learn
about those nonprofits,including the Northwest Arkansas
Food Bank.
But that's a collaborativeeffort for you all inviting more
(14:12):
nonprofits into your space thanit is, because we don't want to
work against anyone.
We want to help and collaboratewith as many nonprofits as
possible, because you're notonly.
Our theory is you're not onlyfeeding somebody, but you're
going to help them get out ofthat situation if you can.
So it might be something likeresume writing, or it could be
something like dress for success, where you could give them some
clothes to go on an interview,or it could be something that
(14:35):
it's a health issue, where wecan hook them up with a medical
service that can help them.
So it's a great opportunity tolearn about nonprofits.
The Rogers Lowell Area Chamberof Commerce will be glad to give
you more information.
Ask for Shelly Summers, afriend of mine.
She'll have all the details foryou and it's going to be a
great night, that's awesome andI feel like you'll always put a
calendar out.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
We do Of September, of different ways you can engage
.
We do Hunger action.
We give some gestures for eachday.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
I love it give some gestures for each day.
I love it, whether it be, youknow, try to eat on allotted
SNAP meals, whatever.
That is for the year.
I believe last year it was$5.74 a day.
So we ask every person in ouroffice to try to eat on $5.74 a
day, which is what is SNAP wasallowed.
(15:23):
You know things like that.
That's hard, it's very hard.
You can to go through adrive-thru for that.
People are actually doing thisokay in your life, so they have
to be creative.
Um, so it kind of gives you areality of how people are
actually living, which we arestruggling.
Yeah, so it kind of humbles youa little bit, absolutely,
because when you try to you, youjust said drive-thru, you can't
(15:44):
, they're, they're not going todrive-thru, because if they have
more than one person, they'redone.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
I mean, that's just they're out of money, then yeah,
absolutely so.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
We're trying to, you know, make aware.
It's more of an awareness monthfor us, just letting people
know that the struggle is real.
It's here in Northwest Arkansas, even though we live in a very
wealthy community.
You know there's lots ofactivities and nice things
around here, but there's also alot of hunger too.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
And we don't see it.
You don't, you can drive aroundit.
It's not like a big city whereyou might see it on In a more
pedestrian walking city.
Exactly, I've always 3WLB.
I mean, we're going to put outthe 18th issue in January and so
I remember like 15 plus yearsago when we started this,
somebody was talking to us aboutprom dresses and homelessness
(16:33):
and doing dresses for kids atFayetteville High School and
they're like you don't not you,casey, but like we as a
community don't understandhomelessness because you can
drive around it and you don'thave to see it if you don't want
to see it.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
And I wasn't even aware of it when I moved here.
I knew that there was some andreduced lunches.
There's several of them in ourservice area of the four
counties that we serve that are98 99 percent free and reduced
(17:10):
mind-boggling.
So that just tells you thatthose families are struggling.
Yes, so we're here to help.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
yes, we definitely have a gap in high and low.
Yes, yes, and it is mindboggling to see what schools are
90 plus percent free andreduced.
There's a lot.
It's painful, there's a lot.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
So September we call it Hunger Action Month.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
I call it Hunger Action Awareness Month.
I always put an extra A inthere.
I love that.
It's like, hey, I love it.
That's how I say it, we mightchange that, don't we do Tweak
it a little?
I absolutely do.
And I was like, oh yeah, my God, I put an X in there.
I like it, I like it.
But yeah, you all engage andreally energize the community
for 30 days of orange and allthe things yes, okay, and so
(17:53):
then October.
Let's talk about this becausethis is fun, because I had it
wrong on my notes.
I had to fix it, but we areretooling per se jewels of
giving and it's going to beflavor of giving, and I will
throw 3W under the bus becauseit is September TBD, not TWA.
That is an old airline from 100years ago, tbd.
(18:17):
So 3W is wrong.
It's October 9th.
Now it is, and it's notcompletely your 3w school.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
I will take partial blame on that because we had to
adjust the date after wesubmitted that fair, no worries.
So magazines are printedextremely early because of the
printing um, but it's notcompletely your fault so we'll
take.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
We'll take partial.
Thank you, I'm like it's okay,we're up, it's already updated
online and all the social mediawill be out and about.
But October 9th, the newlyunveiled Flavors of Giving it is
.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
Flavor of Giving is a new concept.
It's my baby.
Now I'm also in charge ofevents that involve either
employees or fundraising, sothis is our biggest event.
Like you said, it used to becalled Jewels of Giving.
We completely rebranded it toflavor of giving.
It's going to be at the osagehouse, october the 9th, at four
o'clock to seven o'clock, soit's a come and go come when you
(19:09):
want, stay as long as you want,leave when you need to, and
we're hoping that this will givea fresh new look to an event
that the food bank does.
We are limiting the amount ofpeople that can get in there, so
tickets are on sale.
You get the information on ourwebsite.
Uh, we've got some greatsponsors.
Unilever is our presentingsponsor again this year, so
(19:31):
thank you, unilever, um, butit's going to be a fun, unique
evening.
Speaker 1 (19:36):
Are you giving up any details yet?
Speaker 2 (19:38):
I can give you one detail of the main highlight of
the event is going to be calledthe Giving Market.
I don't want to tell you toomuch, but it's going to be a
unique shopping experience thatwill allow you to help others
put food on their table at night.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
You know what it's emulating to me.
I'm not going to try, I'm notgoing to give a bunch.
Just think about the littlekids shopping market at the
Amazium.
That's perfect.
That perfect hint to me is whatit's emulating and it's going
to be so hands on it is and sounique and so fun and create
conversation.
It is.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
And one of the things that I will tell you we are
going to have flavor stationsaround the venue with different
small plates for you to enjoy,and those are going to be a take
on our sponsors.
So Tyson Foods is going to beone of our sponsors.
They're going to sponsor theprotein, so one of the flavor
stations will be a Tyson fooditem.
(20:35):
Okay, yes, that you can enjoy.
It's not going to be thetypical food that you find in
events.
It's going to be no banquetvalue, a little bit more of a
mystery sauce.
No, no banquet value, but themystery sauce.
These are things that you'regoing to actually, uh, want to
go and enjoy, and I thinkeveryone will be pleasantly
surprised.
Uh, there'll be a huge bar inthe middle for people to enjoy
(20:55):
beverages.
We will have a signaturecocktail and our um, we'll have
a few more surprises.
So I don't want to give too muchaway.
Do you have your chairs lockedin?
We have bulging them.
We are not going to divulgethat.
Those are still secret.
Uh, we do have some surpriseguests coming.
Um, it's going to be fun.
(21:15):
Surprise, there will not be aprogram which everybody is
thrilled about, absolutely so,um, it's going to be a good time
.
I sound like oh, thank goodness, but I don't Absolutely, so
it's going to be a good time, Isound like oh, thank goodness,
but I don't mean it like that.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
It's just because I know what you do.
I think the people coming knowwhat you do and you know what
the need is, and let's justcreate conversation and give and
do good.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
We want your money, but we want you to come and have
a fun, enjoyable time.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
I love that you started with.
We want your money.
We do.
Money pays the bills they do.
I love it when people are likeI'm not here for the money.
I'm like we're all here for themoney because money pays the
bills and money helps us do good.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
We distributed in 2024 over 14.9 million pounds of
food.
That's insane.
So that food was not alldonated.
We had to purchase that foodwith donations.
So we do need money and this isour largest fundraiser and
we're hoping that we will havean enormous amount of money at
the end of the night to purchasemore food to help our neighbors
(22:09):
in need.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
So great, so October 9th tickets are on sale right
now.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
We're limiting those to 400 tickets total, which is
really small, it is.
Speaker 1 (22:20):
I love that.
It's exclusive.
That makes the event intimate.
It's exclusive, yes, well,congratulations to you.
Thank you, it's going to begreat.
Yes, that's going to come along way.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
I'll definitely be there.
3w is one of our sponsors, sothank you very much.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
I appreciate that.
We love you guys Love.
I think that might be it onevents.
Oh, there is a corporate fooddrive.
Sorry, I didn't have it listed.
It's the corporate food drivechallenge sponsored by Spectrum
in November.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
The brands will be in October-ish, November-ish.
I lied again.
More details to come on that.
We're still working out some ofthe final details on that, but
that will happen this year.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
But that's a fun one because it's another challenge.
Our vendors love challenges.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
They do, and they compete against organizations
and companies that are theirsize.
So if you have 50 people inyour office, you're going to
compete against a company thathas 50 people in your office.
We're not going to put youagainst a company that has 5,000
.
So there's categories, so it'sall equal, fair play, and
there's some great trophies forthat as well, and we will have a
huge celebration.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
I was going to gonna say I feel like usually there's
a commencement to go with it,there will be and it will be.
Um, it'll be a good time too.
I love that more detail, somany exciting events and I love
that it's been super creative.
You never stop reinventing theevents.
That's the goal a lot of peopledo and that's okay too, because
there's a place for everyoneand you can't beat a classic.
Yes, but it's okay to reinventand retool and constantly move
forward on things.
I love it.
(23:47):
Yes, thank you, and especiallyas somebody and I'm sure if
Ashley was sitting here shewould attest to it as well as
somebody who goes to many of theevents she does, and she goes
to more of them than I do, so Iwill put her front and center.
Yes, it's front and center.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
yes, um, it's nice to see a change, thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
So, yeah, kudos to you and your team.
Thank you very much.
Times are changing, I knowright, the only constant is
change.
Yes, that's true.
Yes, okay, well, I will putmyself under the bus one more
time because I forgot in partone to shout out our sponsor,
kershey salty snacks, home ofskinny pop, dots homestyle
pretzels, which, again, I saythis every time I hope you are
trying those dots homestylepretzels, cinnamon sugar and if
(24:27):
you are not, let me know,because they are freaking divine
, they're amazing.
They're amazing.
And the pirate booty.
So you can't go wrong with somepirate booty.
Um, special shout out and thankyou to them.
They're the official 3w podcastsponsor.
So anything else you'd like toadd?
Speaker 2 (24:40):
about the food bank.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
No, if you want a tour, buy some cereal and buy
some cereal.
Buy some cereal.
Go, grab a tour, find a lot oforange so that you can get ready
for September and we'll see younext time.
So thank you, Julie, thank you,appreciate it.
I don't know what I'm trying tosay, but just thank you and
keep inspiring the culture ofgiving.
See y'all.
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