On Wednesday, September 7, a sold-out crowd of Unity Shoppe supporters gathered to celebrate its 100th anniversary at the Granada Theatre and enjoy incredible musical performances.
Through short video clips and lively onstage conversations, the history and the unique approach of this organization were shared. By letting clients choose their own food, clothing, and household and school supplies, Unity’s approach allows people to get what they need and maintain their dignity. People are referred from 300 nonprofit organizations to Unity’s central distribution system, thereby eliminating duplication of services. With a lean staff and a network of 1,700 volunteers, Unity last year served more than 18,000 unduplicated people who had fallen on hard times. Each year, more than $2 million in food and merchandise is given away.
Through an onstage conversation, guests heard how back in 1986, the now director of operations Barbara Tellefson “accosted” Kenny Loggins in the parking lot after he had done a concert at Soho and shared her vision of supporting the less fortunate. Loggins was instantly won over and he enlisted KEYT for its support. The next year the Unity Telethon began and Loggins has participated in every telethon since.