Businesses make donations to Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

Dec. 9, 2020 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Dan and Jane Roulier announced their $25,000 donation to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts on the steps of Springfield City Hall. Behind them are Mayor Domenic Sarno and Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Executive Director Andrew Morehouse.
Reminder Publishing photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – The donation made by Dan and Jane Roulier of East Longmeadow would assist the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in the creation of 100,000 meals for people in the region.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse made the announcement with the couple on Dec. 3.

The couple are both Springfield natives and Dan Roulier explained he has done well in the homebuilding business.  He said, “It’s always been our policy to try to share it with the public.” He added, “We’ve never seen a need like we’ve seen now.”

Morehouse explained that for every $1 donated the Food Bank four meals can be created, thanks to the support communities have given the organization in the last 38 years.

He noted that 45 percent of the food supplied to area emergency food operation in the region goes to children and the elderly – “the most vulnerable.”

Those emergency food services have seen many new customers, he added.

Following the donations made by the Rouliers, Sarno reached out to other businesses. In response, David Weeks of Kelly-Fradet Lumber and his wife Kate, and Mike Crowley of Crowley and Associates and his wife Beth have each contributed $12,500 to match the generous donation of $25,000 made by their friends Dan and Jane Roulier.

Sarno said in a written statement, “Spurred by Dan and Jane Roulier’s very generous donation of $25,000 and challenge call to our business community, Mike Crowley of Crowley and Associates and his wife Beth, and Dave Weeks of Kelly-Fradet Lumber and his wife Kate, have stepped up to the plate with a very generous donation of $12,500 each!”

He added, “I am thankful that Mike and Dave reached out to me.  They were touched by Dan and Jane’s generosity and humble business challenge call and wanted to help those of us in our Springfield community in need. Again, with this most generous donation the Food Bank will be able to provide another 100,000 meals for those in need.”

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