Lynn Flores, president of the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry Board of Directors, Wednesday, Oct. 17 confirmed the retirement of its executive director, Marilyn Weisner, at the end of this year.
“Aurora Food Pantry Board, staff and volunteers wish to thank Marilyn for her many years of tireless and committed service to the organization and to the community,” said Flores.“During Marilyn’s tenure, the organization made great strides in helping end local hunger. The Pantry was established in 1981 to meet a demonstrated need within the community at that time, and Marilyn was instrumental in helping it adapt to the changing needs of that community in recent years.” Flores anticipates the Pantry will continue to respond to community needs in innovative and effective ways, as it has in the past.
Weisner took the helm in July 2008, just before the housing market downturn, when Aurora Food Pantry served about 240 families a week. As the Great Recession developed, she led the expansion of the Pantry to meet an ever increasing need, including the move to a larger, more appropriate space, with a warehouse facility and client-choice market for the collection and distribution of more than 3 Million pounds of food each year to struggling families. Aurora Food Pantry helps meet the food needs of nearly 20,000 individuals each year.
“I have loved my time at Aurora Food Pantry and am so pleased with what we have been able to accomplish there as a community,” said Marilyn Weisner. “At this time, however, with a husband who is already retired, I am looking forward to some travel and spending time with grandchildren and other family.”
According to Flores, Aurora Food Pantry will seek a new executive director to continue its successful food distribution programs, and assess and meet future needs.
Weisner plans to spend the rest of her term at Aurora Food Pantry preparing for its busiest season of the year. “Our OctoberFeast Gala, a popular and fun event, just took place and we are in the process of thanking our supporters for making it our most successful to date” she said. “I am looking forward to the first of what will now be monthly evening food distributions for working families, beginning on October 23. We are preparing for the annual increase in requests for assistance over the next three months, as families anticipate the expense of the holidays, and are planning our special Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meal distributions in November and December.
“I would like to thank all who have contributed resources and provided input, assistance, and guidance to help Aurora Food Pantry achieve its mission to help end local hunger by ensuring that everyone has access to enough nourishing food, keeping our overall community healthy and productive,” said Weisner.“To our volunteers, our food donors, our financial supporters, our governing and advisory board members, our staff, and the entire community, I offer my grateful appreciation for their support. I am excited about the prospects for Aurora Food Pantry’s continued work toward its important mission.”