Group strives to provide meals to 100,000 local residents in need
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD - After traveling to Tanzania on medical mission trips and witnessing famine, neglect and poverty among its people, Dr. Ross Clevens, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Brevard, and his wife, Dani, created Face of Change.
In January 2011, Face of Change provided 100,000 meals to hungry children in Tanzania. But, after researching the need for nourishment here in Brevard County, the nonprofit now provides food for children both locally and abroad.
In September 2011, the organization shipped 100,000 packaged meals from Brevard to Tanzania, while 100,000 meals remained locally. Each meal cost about 25 cents and was paid for through donations.
"Our goal is to continue to support and host events to benefit those in need, both locally and abroad," said Dr. Clevens.
Face of Change hopes that this year's food packaging event, set for Oct. 6 at Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, will provide 100,000 more meals to those in need locally.
In addition to feeding the hungry, it is Dr. Clevens' mission to provide medical care to children and families that would otherwise have no means to receive it. Twice per year, Dr. Clevens travels abroad for two to three weeks to care for the world's neediest and most neglected.
"The purpose of these mission trips is to perform facial surgeries to correct cleft palates and lips, repair burns and other traumatic wounds left behind by the lack of medical care and unhealthy living conditions," he said.
Dr. Clevens said others could contribute to the cause by donating funds to purchase the goods for the food-packaging events, as well as attending and participating as volunteers.
"You truly feel a sense of involvement and community being a part of such an incredible, selfless event," Dr. Clevens said. "Children and adults of all ages enjoy assembling meals of rice casserole, bean and rice casserole, or macaroni and cheese. This event is a festive, hands-on opportunity to roll up your sleeves and feed the hungry. Participants are deeply changed by spending just a few hours to help feed the hungry."
For more information about this year's food-packaging event, or to learn more about Face of Change, visit www.faceofchange.info, call (321) 727-3223 or send an email to email@faceofchange.info.