Backpack Program for kids benefits from quiche klatch

Quiche for a Cause, a fundraiser for the Central Arkansas Library System’s Backpack Program, provided light bites and a healthy dose of philanthropy June 11 at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library.

The backpack program was born with a simple question from a child at the children’s library, says organizer John Webb. The hungry youngster wanted to know if they were serving food that day. It was a Sunday, the only day the library did not serve meals or snacks. “We see a lot of hunger,” Webb explained.

He said the problem of how to feed young, hungry library patrons on Sundays kept him awake at night. The solution was to provide bags for the children to take home Saturday afternoon. Each bag holds three, shelf stable meals that don’t have to be cooked or heated.

The library partners with Food for Good in providing the bags to the children at the children’s library and the hope is that the program will expand into CALS’ Williams Library.

Guests at the fundraiser enjoyed quiche, pastries and fruit, a silent auction and music by Lark in the Morning. — Story and photos by

Cary Jenkins

Damian Thompson with his son, Felix, and his wife, Jennifer, and Jennifer Kordsmeier

Andrea and Don Campbell, John Webb and Aaron Campbell

Lark in the Morning entertains during brunch.

Terry and Mary Elizabeth Webb

Madison Rhodes-Barnett with Olivia Holmes