Press Release

February 27, 2004
For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan deQueljoe
office: (602) 850-6755
cell: (602) 421-9543
e-mail: SdeQueljoe@svdp-phx-az.org

A Forkful of Hope:

St. Vincent de Paul to Serve its 30 Millionth Meal

Phoenix, AZ – On Wednesday, March 3, 2004, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix will celebrate the serving of its 30 millionth meal. Considering the Society provides nearly 3,500 meals to its five dining rooms and 17 other charitable organizations, this number may not be surprising; however, taking into account that a little over 50 years ago, SVdP served its first meals to less than 30 individuals, such a number is staggering.

On November 20, 1952, with a seating capacity of 36, Johnny's Restaurant, located at 435 W. Washington in Phoenix, became the first St. Vincent de Paul Charity Dining Room. Today, the Society operates dining rooms in downtown Phoenix, south Phoenix, north Phoenix, Mesa and El Mirage.

On Wednesday, March 3, 2004, commemorative celebrations will occur at SVdP's Henry Unger Memorial Dining Room, beginning at 10:00am (meal service begins at 11:00am) and at the Dan O'Meara Center at 2:00pm (family meal service begins at 5:00pm). KEZ's Marty Manning will serve as emcee of the 2:00pm event.

In light of St. Vincent de Paul serving its 30 millionth meal, Governor Janet Napolitano issued an official proclamation, declaring February 29 through March 6, 2004, as the *Society of St. Vincent de Paul Community Awareness Week.* In the proclamation, Governor Napolitano congratulates "St. Vincent de Paul on its remarkable record of assisting under-privileged populations in the struggle against poverty."