Not the Usual Grand Opening

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After years of dedicated service to the area, Capital Development Services’ client, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank celebrated a highly anticipated milestone with the dedication and grand opening of their brand-new 52,000 sq. ft. warehouse on May 25, 2011.

Last year, despite the growing problem of inadequate storage space, no loading dock, and a small and older building, the Foodbank distributed nearly 10 million pounds of food to the community; with this spacious new building they will be able to quadruple their food storage and distribution.

The red-carpet grand opening ceremony gathered nearly 300 elected officials, business and community leaders, volunteers, and staff from all across the Virginia Peninsula, including Governor Bob McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell; Hampton Mayor Molly Ward; Newport News Mayor McKinley Price, and former Mayor Joe Frank; as well as many more distinguished guests.
 
Former First Lady of Newport News, Jane Susan Frank, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, and gave a passionate and emotional speech saying, “I’ve never been involved in something so compelling, yet simple; something I could wrap my heart around.”

Governor McDonnell spoke of the importance of the Foodbank to Virginia and the Peninsula. He extolled the work of the staff and all the volunteers who dedicate their time to helping those in the community who are less fortunate. “This is an amazing opportunity for the Peninsula,” he stated, “You should all be proud.”

During the closing remarks Mrs. Frank and Ms. Luter turned the audience member’s attention to the big screen for a video message from Larry Pope, CEO of Smithfield Foods. Mr. Pope sent his congratulations on the grand opening, regretting that business took him out of town for the occasion. “We at Smithfield Foods wanted to salute those of you on the front lines of hunger with a gift,” Mr. Pope stated, “So if you will look to the right you will see what we decided to do.” An explosion of confetti accompanied the unveiling of a truck with 80,000 pounds of Smithfield Ham, a donation to the Foodbank.

CapDev congratulations the Foodbank on its extraordinary grand opening and this significant accomplishment for its major impact on the community!

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