Money being raised to support foster families

Certified Angus Beef is partnering with Bananas Foster, the nonprofit organization affiliated with the Savannah Bananas baseball team, to support Wayne County foster families. Together the organizations are working to collect gift card donations for gas, groceries, restaurants, toys, books or recreational activities until June 30.

Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, was the keynote speaker at Certified Angus Beef’s 2022 annual conference. There, the two organizations found similar beliefs in taking care of local communities.

“With the Savannah Bananas in town playing at Canal Park in July, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to partner with Bananas Foster to continue our shared passion for building community and bringing people together,” said John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef. “We’re eager to bring this mission to Wayne County and celebrate our local foster families.”

Bananas Foster's mission is to celebrate the foster care community while educating and inspiring others to get involved. Established in Savannah, Georgia, the organization is focused on bringing families together.

"Our organization is thrilled to partner with Certified Angus Beef to provide our Potassium CARE Baskets to local Wooster foster families," said Jolie Chabala, executive director for Bananas Foster. "We launched our nonprofit earlier this year in Savannah, Georgia, and now we are excited to take our program on the road and make a positive impact for foster families during the 2023 Banana Ball World Tour."

Research indicates nearly 30-50% of foster families quit within their first year due to a lack of support. The Potassium CARE Baskets is a program created by Bananas Foster to provide support and celebrate the foster families that open their homes to children in need.

All donations are appreciated and are not strictly limited to gift cards. If interested in providing other gifts, email Jen Eichel at jeichel@certifiedangusbeef.com. Donations will be accepted through June 30 and can be dropped off at the Certified Angus Beef office, 206 Riffel Road, Wooster.