By Melissa Carter
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| Kenny Cianchette, owner of Erik’s Church, is presented with a plaque of appreciation for his ongoing support of the RSU 14 Backpack Program by founder and organizer of the program, Marge Giovini and volunteer Franny Etheridge. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Community support for local families was on full display this fall when Erik’s Church hosted its annual golf tournament, raising $7,000 for the RSU 14 Backpack Program. This contribution builds on more than $20,000 raised at a winter event earlier this year and reinforces the restaurant and entertainment venue’s growing role as a committed partner in supporting students and nonprofit organizations locally.
The RSU 14 Backpack Program began during the 2011–2012 school year to address gaps in food availability for students over weekends and school breaks. While meals are available during the school day, many children leave school on Friday with uncertain access to nutritious food until they return on Monday. The program discreetly provides weekend food bags filled with kid-friendly, shelf-stable items that students can prepare independently. Bags are packed weekly by volunteers at Windham Middle School and distributed by school personnel to maintain privacy. The program was launched serving about 50 children and now supports more than 150 students districtwide, reflecting increased need as many families face rising food and grocery costs.
Each bag costs roughly $10 to assemble, and while that seems modest, the program estimates that supporting one student for the full school year can cost around $300. It is filled with kid-friendly, nutritious foods that are lightweight enough to carry home in their backpacks. Because the Backpack Program does not receive funding through the district budget, it depends entirely on contributions from individuals, community groups, and area businesses. Volunteers, rather than paid staff, handle all planning, purchasing, and packing, ensuring that donations are spent directly on food for students. Organizers say this makes the program particularly impactful, because every contribution goes directly toward providing consistent nourishment to local children.
Erik’s Church owner Kenny Cianchette said he supports the Backpack Program because it meets a visible need and does so with remarkable efficiency. He noted that the all-volunteer structure allows the program to serve children without administrative costs typically associated with nonprofit organizations. “I support the Backpack Program because the need for the program is, unfortunately, there and the dollars given to the team who run it are 100% used for the purpose,” Cianchette said. “There is no waste by the organization since it is volunteer-run and financially backed by contributions. Many organizations have overhead to make their missions a reality, but this program is entirely operated professionally, based on my experience, by amazing volunteers.”
Cianchette added that the ability to organize events that bring the community together is the most effective way Erik’s Church can contribute. He explained that while some businesses donate services or professional expertise, his team’s strength lies in creating experiences that people enjoy while supporting a meaningful cause. “Worthy causes need both labor and money to be successful,” he said. “Our team is particularly good at creating enjoyable events, and so the best use of our time is to create enjoyable events that can help half of that equation. Much like a lawyer could donate their legal services to an organization, or a newspaper donate ads or columns to raise awareness, Erik’s Church donates our ability to put on enjoyable, and profitable, events.”
The September golf tournament drew support from many local businesses and residents who participated not only for a fun day on the course, but also to help ensure students in their own community have what they need to return to school prepared each week. Organizers with the Backpack Program say that participation from local businesses, civic groups, and individuals is responsible for the program’s growth. They emphasize that volunteers are vital; groups gather every Tuesday to pack bags that are then distributed to schools for pickup and delivery. The quiet reliability of the program means students facing food insecurity over the weekend and during school breaks can receive support without feeling singled out.
Erik’s Church will continue its fundraising efforts this winter with the second annual Duel to Fight Hunger event, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14. The evening, held at Erik’s Church, will feature a dueling piano show, along with an all-inclusive night of food and beverages. Tickets go on sale next Friday and will be available on Erik’s Church website and Facebook page. Individual tickets and corporate tables will be offered, and more information may be requested by emailing ken@erikschurch.com
Those wishing to volunteer for the Backpack Program can contact Marge Govoni at: mgovoni@rsu14.org. The program accepts only monetary donations to ensure nutritional items and menus are similarly based and meet the needs of each child. Online donations can also be made at https://www.androgov.com/org/index.php?structureid=88 - Select “all other student activities,” fill in your information, for a specific school, select “School Nutrition.” For *Payment Description* write “Backpack Program.” For additional information visit www.rsu14.org or send an email to Ryan Roderick at: rroderick@rsu14.org
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