Rally for Hunger Expands Outreach – Eleuthera kids join in the cause for a second year.

(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – The second annual series of Rally4Hunger events in the Bahamas, hosted by tennis coaches, Stacey Smith from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the program’s visionary and Artie Johnson from Eleuthera who helps to make the events happen locally, expanded this year into Freeport, where activities began during the last week in June.

14 children participated in the Freeport event and they rallied a total of 2006 points which were converted into food items, resulting in approximately 333 pounds of food being distributed to each of the following 3 facilities:  Grand Bahama Children’s Home, Columbus House For Boys and Girls and the Home for the Aged, totaling over 1000 lbs.

Stacey, and Artie then returned to Eleuthera, where it all began in 2014, and worked with 24 kids at the Artie Johnson summer tennis camp, which was held in Palmetto Point from July 6th to July 18th. “This is the second year R4H worked with the Artie Johnson tennis camp. Last year was the first international event for Rally4Hunger and we are so blessed to bring this community outreach back for a second year,” shared coach Stacey.

 During the final day at tennis camp in Palmetto Point, the kids rallied and exceeded their goal of 700 total points which were converted into 700 lbs of food.  Approximately 80 bags of food with 8 items in each 5-7lb bag were then distributed to the elderly and those in need in Savannah Sound, Palmetto Point, Governor’s Harbour, James’ Cistern and Hachet Bay.  Volunteers who lent their support during the event included: Parry Culmer, Elva Nixon,  Sydnease Gardiner, and Sharron & Shamar Culmer.

The Rally4Hunger efforts then moved on to Harbour Island, during the week of July 20th to July 24th, where 60 children were expected to participate, with a goal to deliver over 1000 lbs of food to Harbour Island and townships throughout North Eleuthera.

 The overall mission of the Rally 4 Hunger, shared coach Stacey, is to, “create a fun tennis experience while simultaneously helping to fight hunger through the organization of tennis rallies. The players rally with a partner and count the number of consecutive balls to be totaled and matched by Rally4Hunger and other donating sponsors with non-perishable food items.  We believe in the importance of involving our youth in the community along with creating an atmosphere to improve skills, confidence, self-esteem & health.”  She added that, she and coach Johnson would be happy to also bring the Rally4Hunger to another new Bahama Island as well.