Diana R. Sieger is the president of the Grand Rapids Commmunity Foundation. For more information, visit Diana's President's pages or view her biography.

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President's Point of View: Maria rose to the challenge!

May 11, 2008

One month ago Maria Gajewski started a challenge and that challenge was to eat for 30 days spending a total of ONLY $30! AND the distinction was that this was not just a plan of mac ‘n’ cheese as she had clear rules for the plan and that was to figure out a way to eat nutritiously. The other reason she did this was to raise both awareness and funds for Blandford Nature Center and Mixed Greens in Grand Rapids.

Maria’s “day job” is a research coordinator at my second favorite organization (the 1st being the GRCF!) - GVSU’s Johnson Center’s Community Research Institute - and she successfully completed her 30 day test on Friday, May 9th and an open house was held at Blandford to honor her accomplishment.

Maria hosted a great blog about her experience that is well worth your time to read through her entries, look at her references and informative and entertaining videos. She also experienced media attention which included a radio interview with Mitch Albom at the beginning of her “food” journey as well as two articles in The Grand Rapids Press by Beth Loechler the second of which is here.

I hope that Maria will forgive me but her letter to her co-workers is understated, humorous and gives a hint at her rules!

Hello Everyone,

I need your help with a little project I’m working on. You see, I’m doing a fundraiser for Blandford Nature center and Mixed Greens and I’ve committed to spend only $30 on food for the next 30 days. So, starting tomorrow, Thursday April 10 and going through Friday May 9, you can’t feed me.

I know, I know. I’m the office cookie monster. I’d shove my mother to the ground for some good dark chocolate. I suck down coffee (oh sweet, delicious coffee …) like a chipmunk with ADD. Well, no more. At least not until May 10!

So, for the next month, I can’t go to lunch with you. I can’t walk downstairs to get a coffee. And if we have a pizza meeting, I’ll be eating rice and looking at you with jealous eyes.

As you may guess, I’m probably going to be hungry sometimes… okay, a lot of times. I may get a little cranky. I’ll probably be having some caffeine withdrawal issues. But it’s all for a good cause.

Until May 10, I remain yours in semi-starvation,
Maria

Maria epitomizes the philanthropic spirit - the strength of living her message, doing a fantastic job to help shine a light on the global food crisis, understanding food systems and how fortunate we are to have choices in our diet. And she did do a great cooking demonstration on dandelion greens. Look out Maria the Food Network will be calling you! Congratulations and thank you for doing this!

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Comments

Maria also put in volunteer time at Blandford during this month. And not just office work, but physical labor on our new farm!

Posted by: Laura | May 12, 2008 10:41 AM

Thanks so much for the kind words, Diana! It was a tough challenge, but I'm happy that I did it.

By far the best part was getting more involved at Blandford and especially at the farm. I plan to continue to help out through the growing season. It's not only fun, it helps keep local agriculture alive.

Oh, and next time I stop by the Community Foundation offices, feel free to break out the snack basket!

Posted by: The Infamous Maria | May 13, 2008 2:43 PM