Odessa American- Jewish Group Donates to Food Bank
Odessa American- Jewish Group Donates to Food Bank November 24, 2011
BY CELINDA HAWKINS
For one Permian Basin charity, giving is year-round and numerous organizations in West Texas have benefited from their generosity.
But today the West Texas Food Bank is giving thanks for a $15,000 donation from the Permian Basin Lodge of B’Nai B'rith, a Jewish philanthropic organization located in Midland.
“The West Texas Food Bank needs so much so fast, we are pleased to help,” said Dr. Frank Kasman, the treasurer of the lodge.
The gift translates into 60,000 meals, officials at the WTFB said.
“It is a wonderful gift,” said Augie Fernandes, executive director of the West Texas Food Bank. “It is the holiday where we not only give thanks but it is a holiday of giving.”
For the past 30 years B’Nai B'rith has made significant contributions to individuals, schools, groups and non-profit organizations.
Since March B’Nai B'rith has made over $270,000 in contributions to local organizations, thanks to funds generated through the Day Time Bingo operation, located in Midland.
Also on Tuesday, the group made a $10,000 donation to the Permian Basin Fireman’s Fund, a non-profit group recently formed to provide assistance to West Texas volunteer fire departments.
“We gave them a start up grant to assist the volunteer fire groups all around Midland and Odessa who have been so helpful during the drought and in fighting the numerous grass fires we have endured for the last year,” Kasman said.
Other recipients in 2011 include the West Texas Red Cross, Hope House, Clover House, Meals on Wheels (in Midland and Odessa), Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, West Texas Eye Bank, Lion’s Texas Camp, Gifts of Hope, Allegro Chorale, Aphasia Center and the Palmer Drug Abuse Program.
Originally B’Nai Brith was an organization designated to help Jewish refugees and immigrants when they arrived in the U.S.
“The whole premise of the group was to give funds and to help people,” Kasman explained. “We are taking care of other organizations at a time when people are in need and times are difficult.”
