By Jerry Yeatts, F390000
Executive Director
January 2016
A first-grader watches a commercial on the Food Network and calls to his mom to come watch it, too. This isn’t your typical commercial that would appeal to a soon to be 6-year-old boy. It’s not about a toy or about a reality TV show. This commercial is about childhood hunger and a call to action for donations to help feed hungry children.
Humont Berry III, son of FMCA graphic artist Ayanna Luney, and grandson of Phillip and Charlene Luney, F284402, committed to the cause immediately and had a pretty grown-up discussion with his mom about what he could do so children wouldn’t go hungry. Wow! How powerful for a child to want to have such an impact on fighting hunger!
A simple message was sent to FMCA national office staff and to FMCA’s Executive Board, who were meeting in Cincinnati at the end of October, about Humont’s desire to collect 400 nonperishable food items. A similar challenge was made to Humont’s dad’s office, a home-security company called Defender, to rise to the cause and to help this young philanthropist achieve his goal. His classmates at John Paul II Catholic School got involved and collected food items. All in all, 884 nonperishable food items were delivered to the food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul.
What type of impression does this act of kindness make? Bob Kamp, food pantry manager for St. Vincent de Paul, noted in an interview with Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Amber Hunt that this food pantry feeds between 2,200 and 2,500 people each month through donations. Humont’s efforts positively impacted more than 100 people. Not only did he and his mother collect the food items, they also helped to stock the shelves to help give Humont a greater understanding and appreciation of his efforts.
Word spread quickly about his generosity. In addition to the newspaper story, he also was featured on a local television station’s news one evening. The news clip was placed on FMCA’s social media page and received several “shares” and “likes.” Recipients of his generosity applauded Humont as the doors to the food pantry opened while he was delivering the items he had collected. On one of the shelves of the food pantry, a handwritten sign gives a very simple message: “Keep calm & know you are loved.” First impressions, lasting impression.
The church I attend has an entire team called “First Impressions.” Hundreds of volunteers are engaged to welcome church-goers and to make them feel welcomed. Parkers, greeters, ushers, information center hosts, janitorial helpers, coffee attendants, and many others give unselfishly of their time to spread a little cheer, offer a smile, and, in some way, let people know that they are an important and valued part of our community. Other serving opportunities include a group called Reach Out. Similar to Humont’s mission, this team is committed to serving those in need. To love them, to learn from them, to be a voice for them, and to fight for their freedom.
This is the first month of the new year. It’s a time when we make that New Year’s day commitment to lose a few pounds, shed old habits, rekindle friendships, and be a little more unselfish with our giving. I’m pretty humbled that a first-grader has the heart to give back to those in need so other kids won’t go hungry. I’m humbled by the generosity of two companies to help make a difference. I’m humbled by receiving reports and financial statements from KOA Kare Camps, Pro-Literacy, Habitat for Humanity, and Good Will-Hinckley School reflecting your generosity as FMCA members helping those less fortunate through FMCA’s Round-Up campaign.
To learn more about how you may help others less fortunate through FMCA’s Round-Up campaign, please see page 107 of this issue of the magazine.
Thank you, Humont, for making a first impression a lasting impression!
To all of you, safe travels.