Provo’s Community Action Services and Food Bank (CASFB) announced it has met an urgent $100,000 fundraising goal in just a few days, a target set to keep the pantry operating through the winter. The rapid response came from a mix of longtime supporters, staff members who have relied on the bank’s services, and two private‑donor families who each contributed $50,000.
Leadership credits community generosity
Interim CEO Caitlin Rangel, who stepped into the organization’s top role last week, praised the outpouring of help. Rangel, a former chief operating officer with CASFB for about a year, said the staff’s personal connection to the mission made the appeal resonate deeply. “It hits close to home for many of us,” she explained, noting that several employees have used the food bank to stabilize their own lives.
One such employee, Antonio Gonzalez, now works for CASFB after the agency helped him get off the streets. “If there’s a way I can donate part of my earnings, I will,” Gonzalez said, underscoring the personal stakes many volunteers feel.
Private donors and local families step up
The McGowan and Redd families each pledged $50,000, a contribution the Provo City Council Chair Katrice MacKay described as “critical to keeping the doors open this week.” Their generosity, combined with smaller donations—including a dollar from a longtime client—allowed CASFB to reach the $100,000 mark well before the end‑of‑month deadline.
New, larger goal to secure long‑term stability
While the immediate crisis is averted, Rangel warned that the organization still faces a significant funding gap. CASFB estimates it needs roughly $100,000 each week to operate. To avoid a recurring emergency fundraising cycle, the food bank has set a new year‑end goal of $1.5 million. “If we don’t raise that amount by December, we will have to consider closing,” Rangel said.
City officials are already looking for ways to support the pantry. MacKay noted that Utah County is covering winter warming‑center costs, and Provo City is exploring additional assistance. The council chair also urged neighboring communities that benefit from CASFB’s services to contribute, emphasizing that the pantry’s health impacts the broader region.
How to help
Residents who wish to support CASFB can learn more and donate through the organization’s website. The food bank continues to serve dozens of families each week, providing essential nutrition and a safety net for those facing economic hardship.
CASFB’s rapid fundraising success illustrates the power of local collaboration and the deep ties between the pantry, its staff, and the Provo community. As the organization looks ahead to its $1.5 million goal, continued generosity will be essential to keep this vital resource open for years to come.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Scripps) – Utah County — read the source article.
