Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q donates $19,870.01 to Second Harvest through gift card fundraising campaign

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q customers did their part to fight hunger in north Florida this past year – both for themselves at Bono’s restaurants and for others in the form of generous contributions to Second Harvest North Florida.

From January to December 2011, each purchase or refill of a Bono’s gift card resulted in a 10 percent donation to Second Harvest. The campaign generated $19,870.01, which will provide the equivalent of more than 139,000 meals for people in need in north Florida.

In addition to each card purchase or recharge resulting in a donation to Second Harvest, patrons also received an additional 10 percent off their meal each time they used the card.

“Working with Second Harvest for the 2012 Gift Card Fundraising Campaign was by far our most successful effort thus far,” said Josh Martino, vice president and legal counsel at Bono’s.  “The Bono’s Family was proud to not only raise nearly $20,000 and provide almost 140,000 meals, but to spend a number of volunteer days at the food bank.  Giving back to the community that supports us all year is very special to us and I could not be more proud of our employees and customers for doing such a great job raising money and awareness for such an exemplary cause. We learned a great deal about food insecurity in the state of Florida, and we also learned a lot about all of the ways we can help.  We would like to thank Second Harvest for allowing us to be part of something so great and we will continue to work together to help fight hunger on the First Coast.”

Corporate partnerships are critical to the success of Second Harvest North Florida, and the impact of these donated dollars will allow thousands of families on the First Coast to find relief.

“The significance of this gift will enable us to provide enough food to create almost 140,000 meals,” Second Harvest Executive Director Bruce Ganger said. “The Bono’s team is to be congratulated for their efforts on behalf of working families who struggle to put food on their tables and feed their children every day.  They are a shining example of what it means to be a leader in our community.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Josh Martino, vice president and legal counsel at Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q (left) and Second Harvest Executive Director Bruce Ganger.