eyeBLINK throws Pizza Parties for the Homeless

by Susan Davis on 19/06/09 at 7:39 am

Delicious Pizza for all

eyeBLINK, a New York-based multicultural non-profit organization committed to promoting social change through theatre, dance, and special events, is throwing parties of hope and smiles at homeless shelters in 25 states through June 20.  The organization and its backers are sponsoring Pizza for the Hungry events this week, by donating 2,500 pizzas to homeless shelters across America for specially organized parties where shelter residents can chow down on pizza while listening to musical performances.

Every penny going toward the pizzas has been raised by private donations.  Volunteer musicians and entertainers provide live music while the pizza is served to shelter residents, creating an atmosphere of hope and joy for those down on their luck.

“In tough times, you need hope,” said Obaid Kadwani,  the creator of the project, in a press release issued by the organization.  “You need a moment when you can forget your cares. We donate food, we provide music, and people are happy and clapping and dancing,”

eyeBLINK uses the donations they collect throughout the year to buy discounted pizzas from Dominos.  Every dollar collected buys two slices of pizza for a shelter guest.  Although food for the body is important, Kadwani and his organization understand that you have to nourish the soul as well, so live musicians create an essential ambiance for the pizza party, with performances ranging in expertise from drummers, to guitarists, to jazz musicians to five-piece bands and DJs.

Pizza for the Hungry started in 2007 in just one city, and has grown in three short years to providing pizza to shelters in 25 states plus Washington, D.C.