MANNA's Kitty Schaller wins The Woman of Influence Award for 2009
Posted 03/31/10
Congratulations to Kitty Schaller, Executive Director of MANNA Foodbank, who won the Honoree of the Year Award last night at the 19th Annual YWCA Tribute to Women of Influence Awards Banquet. Here is what we said about her:
Initial Award Presentation:
Kitty Schaller has successfully led MANNA FoodBank through economic times which have seen the demand for service increase exponentially, and has quietly helped guard the dignity of those who never thought they’d need help. Despite the economy, Kitty has actually expanded the operation. Her next goal is to lead the organization in public policy action to improve federal nutrition programs and help people access food stamps. In Kitty’s words, “we cannot solve the problem of intractable hunger by charitable means alone.” She has brought in women inmates learn to job skills, and is determined to use volunteers not only for the warehouse, but to tell the story of hunger in our community.
Honoree of the Year Presentation:
As we mentioned earlier, under Kitty’s leadership, MANNA has grown. The budget has grown from $2 million to $3.5 million, staff has grown from 33 to 43 positions, but more importantly, food to needy families grew from 6 million pounds to 7.6 million pounds annually. Three months after taking the helm, Kitty and the Board launched a successful capital campaign and purchased the 22,000 square foot building next door.
A co-worker shared Kitty’s passion and focus: to involve, educate and unite people to end hunger in Western North Carolina. She leads by example, holding herself to the highest standard in all circumstances, and serves as a role model for all staff, male and female, in conscientious decision making. She is known for taking care of staff, promoting from within, and valuing diversity. A believer in rights for all, MANNA’s Human Resources policy now includes benefits for domestic partners. In addition to her leadership at work, Kitty serves on the boards of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, and is on the Finance Committee at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church.
Congratulations, Kitty! And congratulations to all of the 2010 TWIN Honorees. It was a lovely event! We will post photos soon.
http://ywcaofasheville.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/honoree-of-the-year-2010/
