Kansas City Employees Swing into Action at Putt to End Hunger Event, Collecting Over 4,000 Pounds of Food

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Making a Difference Through Mini Golf

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, Kansas City was abuzz with excitement as H&R Block hosted its third annual Putt to End Hunger. This annual event has quickly become a beloved tradition for the employees at the company, who eagerly roll up their sleeves to compete against each other by crafting the most creative and elaborate miniature golf holes—all for a fantastic cause.

Golfing for a Cause

This year was no different, as employees joined forces and tapped into their imaginative sides while collecting donations for Harvesters, a local non-profit organization focused on alleviating hunger in the Kansas City area. With colorful decorations and quirky golf holes, the evening promised plenty of fun and camaraderie among participants.

Leana Flores, H&R Block’s Director of Belonging, shared the heartfelt reason behind the event: “For folks that might need a little extra help this year, it’s been a tough year for some. We want to make sure we are giving back and doing our part.” And what a difference they made! With great enthusiasm, H&R Block proudly announced that over 4,000 pounds of food were collected during the event!

The Reality of Food Insecurity

While the golf event was filled with laughter and friendly competition, the sobering reality of food insecurity in the Kansas City area was ever-present. According to Harvesters, there are nearly 340,000 food-insecure individuals in the local community. That’s a staggering number that highlights the need for ongoing support and action.

To put things into perspective, Kristen Fairbanks, Harvesters’ community engagement manager, noted, “The food insecurity rate does not seem to be going down at all. It’s continually increasing. It’s even greater than it was during the pandemic.” It’s a stark reminder that despite the fun and games, the underlying issue of hunger is serious and ongoing.

Just a Dollar Can Help

Harvesters has made it clear that even the smallest contributions can make a significant impact. Their statistics are eye-opening: with just a $1 donation, they can provide one meal for someone in need. This simple fact underscores an important message: “Everybody can make a difference with as much or as little as they are able to contribute,” said Fairbanks. This means that whether one donates food or money, every bit helps.

Joining the Fight Against Hunger

The success of the Putt to End Hunger event proves that when communities come together, they can genuinely make a difference. And there are always opportunities to participate in this fight against hunger! If you’re inspired to help out, consider reaching out to local food banks or organizations like Harvesters to see how you can contribute.

As we reflect on the fun, laughter, and the meaningful mission behind the event, it becomes clear that together we can build a stronger community and help those in need. Who knew that a game of miniature golf could serve such a great purpose? Kansas City has once again shown that it truly cares about its fellow residents, and the spirit of generosity continues to thrive!