Anonymous Man Donates $800,000 To Struggling Food Bank

November 24, 2023

Today's good news story comes from Auburn, Washington.

Last week, an anonymous local philanthropist stepped forward with an extraordinary $800,000 donation, completely covering the expenses associated with the relocation of the Auburn Food Bank.

Credit: The Auburn Food Bank

This magnanimous gesture resolved a significant hurdle that had been looming over the Food Bank, its executive director, Debbie Christian, and its dedicated staff for months. The primary issue revolved around the agency's inability to transition to its nearly completed new facility until settling the outstanding debt with the contractor.

An overjoyed Debbie Christian, who has served as the executive director since 2006, expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am going to be able to pay my debt, and I am going to be able to shake the hand of the contractor and say thank you very much for your wonderful work."

Christian, still elated, shared the heartwarming story of a unexpected phone call she received earlier in the week from a young woman.

"She had a bunch of questions to ask about what we were doing, and where we were going, and why did I need $800,000," Christian told KING 5.

This individual, inquiring about the Food Bank's plans and financial needs, turned out to be a representative of the generous businessman behind the remarkable donation.

"An hour later I get a call back, and he says,'Yeah, I’m going to do this for you. I'm going to take care of all of it. I want to lift this from the food bank, and make sure you guys are able to move forward, and you don't have to think about this any more'."

The timing of this act of kindness couldn't be more critical, given the prevailing uncertainties in the economy, rising inflation, and a surge in demand for food assistance. Last week, the food bank recorded a new high in requests for assistance, underscoring the pressing need for its services.

Highlighting the urgency for expanded space, Christian emphasized that the current facility has long been insufficient, lacking even enough room for food boxes. With the demand for services increasing this year, the Auburn Food Bank is now set to reopen in its new and improved space in January 2024, thanks to the anonymous philanthropist's Christmas miracle at Thanksgiving.

Watch the good news video below.