Large Group Photo NEW YORK — On March 5, 2024, Fill The Bag Benefit helped New York Common Pantry (NYCP) raise nearly $1M to fight food insecurity. NYCP’s Board and Advisory Council came out in force to support the event. Pictured, back row/standing (from L to R): Alan Pardee, Dominique R. Jones, Thad David, Scott Crawford, Amy Fritz, Mattias Stitch, Sherrell Andrews, Doreen Morales, Cristina Fernandez, Margie Sung, Edward Brown, Charlie Higgins, Paul Emery, and David McInerny. Seated (from L to R): Cathy Taub, Didi Fenton-Schafer, Elaine Clark, Jamie Hirsch, Annie Huneke, and Christina Li. Photo credit: James Poster Studio

Photo credit: James Poster Studio

Fill The Bag Benefit MC and Auctioneer
NEW YORK — On March 5, 2024, Fill The Bag Benefit helped New York Common Pantry (NYCP) raise nearly $1M to fight food insecurity. Featured (from L to R): Lydia Fenet, founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency, led a rousing auction. Willie Geist, host of NBC’s Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, was the night’s Master of Ceremonies, following on the heels of “Super Tuesday” reporting. Margie Sung is New York Common Pantry’s Board Chair. Photo credit: James Poster Studio

Last week, New York Common Pantry (NYCP) hosted its annual Fill The Bag Benefit at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. NYCP is a nonprofit organization that combats hunger and promotes dignity, health, and self-sufficiency. The benefit event MC’ed by MSNBC’s Morning Joe Will Geist, welcomed over 500 guests and raised nearly $1 million. It honored PIMCO, an investment management firm, for its collaborative partnership. The event also honored Andy Dsida, an active, strongly involved NYCP volunteer.

At the beginning of the event, there was a lively cocktail reception. Guests enjoyed informal networking and learning more about NYCP’s Choice Pantry Program. This program is a free service that provides fresh and nutritious food to qualifying participants. In addition, representatives from Live Healthy!, a nutritional education program, were present sharing recipes and insights. The program offers virtual classes to learn about nutrition and creating recipes. Both initiatives strive to provide accessible, affordable, and flavorful organic food options.

The benefit continued with a dinner program where NYCP’s supporters shared their passion for NYCP’s endeavors. Margie Sung, NYCP’s Board Chair exclaimed, “To all of our supporters and problem solvers here in the room tonight, thank you so much for being here and doing what you do because we can only do this together. And for those of you who are new in the room tonight, I will guarantee you’ll learn something new and appreciate the hard work of so many.” Andy Dsida mentioned that “there’s a real feeling of importance in the mission which means that everyone pitches in, we don’t give up.” You could truly hear and feel the passion that NYCP’s supporters have. What an incredible organization and event!