Williams Sonoma, has announced the launch of its seventh annual fundraising program benefitting No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America. This year the retailer is increasing its fundraising efforts from 2017, aiming to raise $2.5 million, which will help connect children in need to nearly 25 million meals.
“Since we’ve started working with No Kid Hungry we have seen the statistics change for the better from 1 in 5 children in the U.S. facing hunger to 1 in 6,” said Janet Hayes, president of Williams Sonoma. “We are committed to working with No Kid Hungry in order to end childhood hunger in America. We are grateful to our customers, colleagues and corporate partners whose generosity has already helped raise more than $5.5 million and provided more than 55 million meals to help children in need across the country.”
To help achieve this year’s fundraising goal and to increase awareness of No Kid Hungry’s mission to end childhood hunger in America, Williams Sonoma has partnered with prominent celebrities, chefs, athletes, musicians and social influencers to take part in its fifth annual Tools for Change program. Each partner has designed a limited-edition spatula for sale at Williams Sonoma stores and online. This year’s collection of spatulas retail for $13.95 each, with thirty percent of the price benefiting No Kid Hungry.
This year’s limited-edition spatulas were designed by the following:
- Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani
- Celebrity Chef and cookbook author Ina Garten
- Award-winning actor and musician Kevin Bacon
- Celebrity Chef and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis
- Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson
- Actress Olivia Munn
- Actress Skai Jackson
- San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence
- Award-winning actress Scarlett Johansson
- Television host and producer Carson Daly
- Celebrity YouTuber and entrepreneur Connor Franta
- World champion boxer, cookbook author and host of “Home Made Simple” on OWN, Laila Ali
- Celebrity Chef and cookbook author Duff Goldman
- Grammy Award-winning musician and co-founder of The Roots, musical director of The Tonight Show and James Beard Award nominated author Questlove
- Fashion designer and cookbook author Zac Posen
Scarlett Johansson shared why she is passionate about the cause, saying, “There is absolutely no reason any child living in America should go hungry. But they do. That is why I am proud to be able to partner with Williams Sonoma to support No Kid Hungry, an organization that helps bring food to children in the U.S. that are in need, so they have the nourishment they need to grow into the generation that will continue to effect positive change.”
Hunter Pence also commented, “I’m a true believer that if you have a full belly, you have a happy heart. Not only will my spatula provide some cheerfulness in your kitchen, but it will also help No Kid Hungry bring some cheer through healthy meals for children.”
Today show host Carson Daly said, “My mom was the center of our family and her special southern breakfast brought us all together. The acronym ILYWWF was her special message to us: I Love you the Whole World Full. It is in her honor that I’m joining the fight to end child hunger in America. All Kids should know the feeling of a full belly and a full heart.”
Starting August 13, this year’s spatula designers will be spreading the word on social media by competing in a “spatdown” posting about the campaign, with the goal of selling the most spatulas. Williams Sonoma will make a $5,000 donation to No Kid Hungry on behalf of the winner. Watch the “spatdown” competition unfold live by following @williamssonoma on Instagram and become a part of the conversation by using #WSNoKidHungry.
Fundraising efforts will take place in all Williams Sonoma stores across the country, as No Kid Hungry impacts local communities through partnerships with local organizations.
Williams Sonoma retail locations will also host cooking classes for kids during August and September, which is No Kid Hungry month. Classes include:
- Saturday, August 25, 2018, Junior Chef Pizza Party. The cost is $30 with 30 percent of the ticketed price benefiting No Kid Hungry, and includes an Emile Henry Pizza Pan
- Saturday, September 1, 2018, Lunch Box Party. $10 donation per child with proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry.
- Saturday, September 15, 2018, Cookie and Cupcake Decorating Party. The cost is $30 with 30 percent of the ticketed price benefiting No Kid Hungry, and includes a Fall Cookie and Cupcake Kit.
To sign up for the class, call or visit your local store. www.williams-sonoma.com/customer-service/store-locator.html
Donations can also be made online by visiting: www.williams-sonoma.com/products/no-kid-hungry-donation/
To date, Williams Sonoma has raised over $5.5 million for No Kid Hungry with every dollar raised, providing the charity the ability to provide ten healthy meals to children in need.
For more information about No Kid Hungry, or to purchase products benefiting the organization, visit: www.williams-sonoma.com/nokidhungry
