To the Editor:

This past Sunday, September 24, at the fifth annual Send Hunger Packing Princeton’s (SHUPP) fundraiser, it was made clear that Princeton is a caring community. While the SHUPP board did an exceptional job, the true heroes of the afternoon were those who participated and those who attended.

It was the Library, which generously provided the space, tents and equipment. It was the honoree, Nassau Presbyterian Church. It was the restaurants, who agreed to participate in the salsa competition: Olives, Princeton Soup and Sandwich, the Terra Momo Group, Two Sevens, and Tortugas. It was the judges, who donated their time and tasting expertise: Mayor Lempert, Charles Plohn, Jen Carsen of Lilipies and Caroline Trippel from Princeton Spoon. It was the DJ Carlos Hendricks and William Santana and La Bella Luz from Hot Salsa Hot Dance Studio, who generously contributed their talent to the day. And It was all the supporters, donors, and friends who joined us on Hinds Plaza. Lead donors include John and Christine Beckelman with Sandler O’Neill, The Bonner Foundation, Princeton Theological Seminary, The Bank of Princeton, the Albin Foundation, MacLean Agency, and the Princeton Truckfest. And it was the bowls provided by Adam Welch, the Arts Council and the High School and Chef Roberta Pipito. All of our supporters are truly the reason we can do what we do for the kids in our community.

The beneficiaries of our efforts are school children in our town who find themselves food insecure at times. And there are no prerequisites to participate. During the beginning of each school year, applications to participate are given to every student in the Princeton Public Schools and to the Princeton Nursery School. All who submit the application are included in the program. In this fifth year of operation, we expect to reach the milestone of over 100,000 meals delivered.

We are having an impact and that impact has happened because of the contributions and support from members of the Princeton family. Thank you to all. We look forward to a very productive year.

Ross Wishnick

For the Send Hunger Packing Princeton Board

Edgerstoune Road