“Alice Starr to be Honorary Chairman of Caritas Capital Campaign”

(CARITAS RELEASE)

The Caritas Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mrs. Alice Starr, wife of Baylor University President Ken Starr, will be the honorary chairman of the upcoming $1.75 million Capital Campaign for the organization. The campaign will support a building project to renovate Caritas’ existing facilities at 300 South 15th Street. Renovations will help the facility meet fire/safety code and other compliance requirements, will increase efficiency of services and educational programs to clients and will expand capacity for storing perishable food products.

“I am pleased to help Caritas with its Capital Campaign to enhance the services and facilities of this wonderful organization. Providing the largest food pantry in the greater Waco area, Caritas is a safety net, keeping those with emergency needs from falling into homelessness,” Mrs. Starr said.

The project will be financed by funds from a recent bequest to the agency, from foundation grants, corporate donations and a community campaign. Mrs. Starr will provide leadership for and guidance to the community campaign phase of the fundraising efforts.

“Caritas is honored and delighted to have Mrs. Starr work with us on this important endeavor,” said Rabbi Gordon Fuller, President of the Caritas Board of Directors. “We will greatly benefit from her knowledge and experience as we seek support from the community for the project,” Fuller added.

The mission of Caritas is to “provide emergency support to people in need in our community.” It offers emergency assistance with food, utilities, prescriptions, and other needs. Over the last two and a half years, Caritas has seen increasing numbers of families coming to the agency for help. During 2010, Caritas served an average of almost 2200 families per month—an approximate 25% increase over the same time period in 2009.