We have now moved into our second quarter-century of something that was begun 26 years ago by our founder, Nancy Duffy. Our theme this year, “Cornerstones of Our Communities” is certainly in keeping with the leprechauns’ selections of the Grand Marshals this year. The three cornerstones who have been chosen exemplify all that is good about our community. Our Grand Marshals this year are: Monsignor Joseph Champlin, Sister Kathleen Osbelt, and Reverend John Schopfer. Monsignor Champlin founded the Guardian Angel Society and is an accomplished author. Sister Kathleen Osbelt founded Francis House and has helped so many individuals and their families during their final days, and Reverend John Schopfer founded the Brady Faith Center and has been a tireless advocate for those living on the southwest side of Syracuse. The accomplishments of our honorees have done so much for our communities in Central New York in similar, yet separate ways.

We are honored to have these three Grand Marshals with their stature and accomplishments lead us down Salina Street in celebration of our community’s largest event, the Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade on Saturday, March 15th, truly celebrating the “Cornerstones of Our Communities.”

Janet Higgins
President

ST. PATRICK HUNGER PROJECT
To Benefit the Syracuse Community Network of Hunger Related Agencies

We are asking all of the individuals marching and participating in the 26th annual Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade to joing us in helping hungry individuals and families within our own community by bringing food donations of non-perishable canned or boxed goods to the Parade. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Please bring a bag of food to be collected at the staging area of the Parade. Needed items are on the following list:

FOOD WISH LIST

MONETARY DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO:
"ST. PATRICK HUNGER FUND"
c/o Food Bank of Central New York
6970 Schuyler Road
East Syracuse NY 13057

ST. PATRICK HUNGER PROJECT
"The mission of the St. Patrick Hunger Project is to help support our community network of hunger-related agencies in meeting the food needs of the individuals and families they serve. By educating Central New Yorkers about "An Gorta Mor" ("The Great Hunger") in Ireland, we hope to focus the efforts of fellow Syracusans on the need here, in our own community, to fight hunger year 'round- especially during the month of March when food supplies at the agencies are lower."

During the famine years in Ireland one million men, women, and children starved to death while resources were available that could have prevented one of history's worst tragedies. In our own community we have the resources to make a difference- and ensure no individual goes hungry in Syracuse in 2008.

Please join in making the "world" in Syracuse better for the individuals and families who go hungry every day by supporting the St. Patrick Hunger Project. Thank you.