H(EAT) 2011-2012 Seacoast Local Campaign

Mala-valous!

2012-02-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

We hope you are all still feeling the positive effects of the Mala on Sunday! This year's Yoga Mala was an incredible success - 201 participants raised $11,400 for H(EAT)! Thank you soo much to Erin at Yoga on the Hill for her awesome organizing, Lisa at ChildLite Yoga for the first ever kids Mala, all the teachers and yogis who participated and donated, and the Rivermill at Dover Landing for hosting. Once again, we are grateful to and impressed by the warm yoga community on the seacoast. Your fundraising dollars will truly make a difference to help our struggling neighbors this winter.

What's Up?

2012-02-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, H(EAT) friends and supporters - it's February. We have a few weeks left in this season's campaign as we bundle up for the coldest time of the year. While the holidays are behind us, and the credit card bills are upon us, it's important to remember that food and fuel assistance is more important now than any other time of year.

You can help out by making a donation through our website, putting some dollars in the collection canisters you see around town, or attending one of the upcoming H(EAT) benefit events.

FEBRUARY 12TH - YOGA MALA!

This unbelievably successful fundraiser grows in awareness and attendance each year. Hosted at Rivermill at Dover Landing from 9am-noon. Come out to raise money and practice a three hour yoga class taught by area teachers. For more info, and to register, check out: http://www.yogaonthehillkittery.com/yogamala/

THANK YOU TO SKYLER! His two packed shows at The Music Hall Loft on January 21st raised more than $700 for H(EAT).

Seacoast Power Yoga and H(EAT)

2012-01-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

Seacoast Power Yoga, a power vinyasa yoga studio located on Water Street in Exeter, NH announced H(EAT) as the beneficiary of Seacoast Supports in February. "Seacoast Supports" is a program designed to contribute financial support to non-profit organizations in the seacoast community by donating $1 for every person who takes a yoga class during a designated month. This program will work with at least four different non-profits per year. Tara Whitney, owner and founder of the studio, hopes to donated $450 to H(EAT) - "There are families on the seacoast that live month to month and a large fuel bill can make a big difference to them financially. I know that the Seacoast Power Yoga community appreciates the warm yoga room when it's frigid outside. In February, my hope is that the community can spread the warmth outside the studio".
Seacoast Power Yoga offers Baptiste inspired power vinyasa yoga. This yoga transforms both body and mind. All levels are welcome to join the Seacoast Power Yoga community. More information can be found on their website: www.seacoastpoweryoga.com.

$10,000 and beyond!

2012-01-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to report that the seacoast has raised more than $10,000 for H(EAT) so far this year! The outpouring of community support, from businesses and individuals, is extraordinary. And we still have more exciting events to come:
A Winter's Tale returns for its third year, with all proceeds to support H(EAT). The Red Door Lounge and Martini Bar provides the cozy and intimate atmosphere for this series of live storytelling events, where interesting people share real-life stories, without notes, before a live audience. This year's series builds on sold-out events in 2010 and 2011...featuring veteran storytellers and many new voices. Join us on any or all of the three Sundays that it will be held: January 22, February 26 and March 18. Doors open at 6pm, admission is $10, space in limited. Advance tickets can be purchased at Re-Enhabit during it's business hours Friday - Sunday, 11am-4pm at 161 Court Street for the next two weekends. A Winter's Tale is co-sponsored by Re-Enhabit, RiverRun Bookstore and The Wire.
The 4th Annual Yoga Mala will be held on February 12th, at the Rivermill at Dover Landing (who generously donated the space for the event), with all proceeds to benefit H(EAT)! This three hour yoga class is from 9am-noon and will consist of meditation, 108 Sun Salutations and chanting as taught by 19 area yoga teachers. Last year, Yoga Mala raised $9,000 for H(EAT) and coordinator, Erin Ehlers, hopes to exceed that goal this year! Registration is $25 per person, and people are encouraged to collect pledges from their peers in support of their efforts. AND this year's Mala offers a class for kids! ChildLight Yoga in Dover will offer two classes on February 12th, from 8:45am-10:15am and 10:30am- noon. For more info on the child yoga, contact Lisa Flynn at lisa@childlightyoga.com and for more info on the Yoga Mala contact Erin Ehlers at erin@yogaonthehillkittery.com
Skyler's show is coming up quick! Get your ticket for this Saturday's concert at The Music Hall Loft, 131 Congress Street at 8pm. Contact The Music Hall box office at 603-436-2400 or go online to www.themusichall.org.

Skyler Show is just 10 days away!

2012-01-11T06:10:00.001-08:00

Check out the article on Seacoast Online -

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120105-ENTERTAIN-201050301

Seacoast Yoga Community Gathers to Raise Money for (H)EAT!

2012-01-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Yoga teachers and students from theSeacoast area will be joining together for a three hour yoga class called theYoga Mala. The fourth annual Yoga Mala will be held at The Rivermill at DoverLanding (www.rivermillnh.com)on February 12, 2012, from 9am to noon. All proceeds fromthe class fees and pledges will be donated to (H)EAT, a part of Seacoast Local,whose aim is to raise money for food and fuel assistance for area families.

Event coordinator Erin Ehlers states, “TheYoga Mala is an incredibly uplifting experience. All shapes, sizes, ages andstyles of yoga students attend. A three hour class can be challenging, but we encourageour students to do what they can, and to remember that our reason for gatheringis to make sure Seacoast families can eat and stay warm this winter.”

The class consists of meditation, 108 SunSalutations, and chanting as taught by 19 area yoga teachers. Sara Curry, aparticipating teacher from Bikram Yoga Portsmouth, says, “It’s amazing togather this many talented yoga teachers for one class. The energy isincredible.”

Last year, the event raised nearly $9,000 for(H)EAT. “This year, I expect we can exceed that goal, because we are reachingout further and involving more teachers and yoga studios. We’ve created awebsite and are using facebook,” said Ehlers. “This is the Seacoast’s largestyoga event.”

This year’s Yoga Mala even offers a class for kids.ChildLight Yoga in Dover will be holding twokids’ classes (8:45 to 10:15 and 10:30 to noon) to run during theevent. ChildLight Yoga director Lisa Flynn says, “We’re looking forward tohaving kids participate. This way, parents can do a portion of the Yoga Malawhile their kids are a few blocks away doing a fun class of kids’ yoga andactivities.” Please contact Lisa Flynn at lisa@childlightyoga.com for moreinformation.

The event is supported by area sponsors, suchas The Rivermill at Dover Landing, who donated the space to the event. NewEngland Printing and Copying donated the printing of the posters.

Interested yoga students can register throughtheir studio, or by contacting Erin Ehlers at erin@yogaonthehillkittery.com.The registration fee is $25 dollars, and students are encouraged to collectpledges for their efforts in the class.

Participatingstudios include: 3 Bridges Yoga, Awakening Grace Yoga, Bikram Yoga Portsmouth, Buddhi Boutique, ChildLight Yoga, CiderHill Yoga, Empower Yoga Center, Green Lotus Yoga Studio, Mindful Yoga andMassage Studio, Moebius Yoga at the Prana Studio,My Om Whole Fitness, Portsmouth Center for Yoga and the Arts, Portsmouth YogaShala, Prasada Yoga Center, Rasamaya Movement Center, Sacred Movement Yoga, SymmetryYoga, Tracy Jordan, Yoga 4 Classrooms, Yoga East,Yoga on the Hill, and Yoga on York.

For additional information, contact ErinEhlers at erin@yogaonthehillkittery.com.More information can be found at www.tinyurl.com/yogamala.

~It's Christmas Time on the Seacoast~

2011-12-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled with the outpouring of support H(EAT) received at the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert last week. People were truly in the holiday spirit - PSO raised $168 in donations made by their generous patrons, and H(EAT) is incredibly grateful to all who gave!

We also want to thank our locally-minded friends at Veris! A donation of $500 was made in the name of Veris Wealth Partners employees and clients this week - just in time for the holidays!

This time of year, it's important time to think of your neighbors in need...but remember what E.B. White said:
"Somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, is the joy that comes back to you".

Have a wonderful new year!

Treehouse Toys supports H(EAT)!

2011-12-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

November 12th marked the second annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day, celebrated by locally owned toy stores from coast to coast. This year, Portsmouth's Treehouse Toys generously donated 10% of the day's sales to H(EAT). We thank them for their gift of $290 toward food and fuel assistance - you should stop by and thank them too!

A special thanks to our Seacoast Local Business Member, Piscataqua Savings Bank!

2011-12-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

Piscataqua Saving's Bank proudly donated $1,250 to this year's Seacoast Local H(EAT) Campaign - with a special request that their funds be allocated to the fuel assistance program. With the heating season upon us, the bank recognizes the need to support those struggling to heat their homes. As Portsmouth's Local Bank, Piscataqua Savings is an avid supporter of Seacoast Local and it's mission to showcase the important role that local independent businesses play in providing charitable support in our community, year-round. Next year, Piscataqua Savings Bank will celebrate its 135th year as a cornerstone in the Portsmouth community, and we thank them for their dedication to help maintain a robust local economy.

Upcoming H(EAT) Events...

2011-12-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

Tickets on Sale now for Skyler and The Band of Thieves at The Music Hall Loft to support H(EAT) on January 21st st 8pm!

Skyler has been bouncing between Maine and Nashville for six months now, and is finally in the seacoast area long enough to play a hometown show! With his band, The Band of Thieves, featuring the Scharff Brothers, Sklyer will be appearing on January 21st at The Music Hall Loft, raising money for Seacoast Local's H(EAT) Campaign. Skyler will be donating 100% of the proceeds to this worth cause. Come out, enjoy some great music and show your support!

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 day of the show. With a Student ID, tickets are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show. Buy your tickets here: http://www.themusichall.org/calendar/event/skyler

AND

This Wednesday, December 21st, Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will play its annual Family Holiday Pops Concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth! They will be collecting donations for H(EAT) and suggest patrons give what they can!

H(EAT) in the News...and Skyler!!

2011-12-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

We are almost a month into this year's H(EAT) Campaign and things are rolling along! We are still (and always) looking for individuals and businesses to get involved and help us reach our goal - it takes a village!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 21st when local favorite, Skyler, will perform a H(EAT) benefit at The Music Hall Loft at 5pm & 8pm. Tickets go on sale December 15th at The Music Hall for $12/$15. Come hear a fantastic local talent and support our cause...win/win!
Check out Skyler's Seacoast Online feature: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20111201-ENTERTAIN-112010404.

Plus - This week we were featured in Foster's Daily Democrat:
"This campaign is a chance for us to remind the public of the very important work that Seacoast Local does. It's going to be a very cold winter with less government assistance than last year. People are going to need lots of help." - Read More:
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111210/GJBUSINESS_01/712109985/-1/FOSNEWS

Our neighbors need food assistance during the holidays...and all year.

2011-12-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

"This year we are hearing that the need of struggling families for food assistance is greater than at any time in recent memory."

Kick-It!

2011-11-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

It’s time to kick-off the 2011-2012 Seacoast Local H(EAT) Campaign! We are celebrating the start of the fourth year of this campaign with, of course, a party! Join us on Friday, December 2^nd at 6pm, upstairs at the Press Room, to get more information about this year’s events, pick up a poster or collection jar for your business, learn about volunteering, or just show your support for the cause!

We look forward to another winter of local businesses working together to raise money for food and fuel assistance for our seacoast neighbors.

If you can’t make it, but still want to help out, contact us at info@heat-eat.org – we’d love to have you!

2011-10-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

On October 22nd, The Roundabout Diner in Portsmouth will host a Halloween Party!! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the (H)EAT Campaign.

The party will be a 50's Costume theme in the Roundabout Function Room, with a live (or undead?) DJ spinning spooky tunes. $20 gets you great appetizers, complimentary boo-tini and a chance to win $500 for the best costume.

For more information call The Roundabout at 603-431-1440

(H)EAT Begins Again!

2011-09-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's time to begin the 2011-2012 Seacoast Local (H)EAT Campaign!

Once again, local businesses will be pulling together to raise money for food and fuel assistance on the Seacoast. Our Goal? Ten Thousand Meals and Ten Thousand Gallons.

The (H)EAT Committee is an all-volunteer organization and we could use your help too. Please contact us at info@heat-eat.org to get involved.

And thanks!

Celebrate the Arts and the Community!

2011-03-11T03:05:00.000-08:00

WHO! Portsmouth Middle School Arts Students, parents, Seacoast Local Businesses, community stakeholders, and YOU!

WHAT! A celebration of the Arts and the Community

WHEN! March, 14^th, 2011

WHERE! RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH

TIME! 6:30- 8

Come join us for a celebration of the wrap up of (H)EAT and (H)ART. The third annual Seacoast Local campaign was able to raise over $24,000 and help over 10 families with home heating oil, thanks to our member donors Lamprey Brothers and D.F. Richards, as well as countless other Seacoast Local businesses, including Me & Ollies, Philbrick’s Fresh Market, Runner’s Alley, Treehouse Toys.

(H)ART, led by middle school art teacher Anna Nuttall,, had over 30 middle school art student participants who created amazing posters, now hanging in local businesses downtown, that draw the public’s attention to the need for food and fuel on the local level.

Come on out on Monday and show some love and support for our young local artists and local philanthropy.

Bring a canned good, purchase some (H)EAT swag! Spring isn’t here yet, and there continue to be families in need of food and fuel on the Seacoast.

(H)ART and (H)EAT Unite!

2011-02-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

The posters have arrived and they are awesome!

(H)ART has been a new addition to the (H)EAT campaign this year. Working with Art- Speak, the City of Portsmouth’s Cultural Commission, Portsmouth Middle School art students learned and explored the Seacoast’s own need for food and fuel and then developed a visual campaign that both educated and engaged the public on this local need.

Over the past few months the 6th and 7th graders Portsmouth Middle School's Art students, taught by Anna Nuttell, had visits from the Seacoast Family Food Pantry and Shannon Hill to learn about food and fuel. The students each created a drawing, or visual representation of the messages of (H)EAT. Elise Weeks and Megan Keogh, of Pixels and Pulp, worked with the students in creating and printing the poster.

Here is a peak at some of the posters around Portsmouth. They are a total of 30 so be sure to check them all out!

By: Eddie (7th Grade) at Serendipity By: Emily (6th Grade) at RiverRun Bookstore

By: Cam (7th Grade) at Dos Amigos

By: Olivia (7th Grade) at Me & Ollie's

Many thanks to the amazing Anna Nuttell, art teacher extraordinaire and head gal of (H)ART, Elise and Megan of Pixels and Pulp, the creative and talented, 6th and 7th graders of Portsmouth Middle school, Seacoast Family Food Pantry, Shannon Hill, Art-Speak, and the local Portsmouth businesses for giving these posters a home.

Where to find each poster:

Worldly Goods, 37 Congress St, Olde Port Property,26 Congress St, Saunder’s Fish Market, 367 Marcy St, Piscataqua Savings Bank,15 Pleasant St,Eyelook Optical, 7 Congress St, Flower Kiosk, 61 Market St, Prelude, 65 Market Street, Me & Ollies Bakery and Café, 10 Pleasant Street (Market Square), Poco’s Bow Street Cantina, 37 Bow Street, Main-ly New Hampshire,22 Deer St., Nahcotta, 110 Congress St.,RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St, Portsmouth Candle Co,62 Congress St, Good Vibes, 16 Congress St, Runner’s Alley,104 Congress St,Portsmouth Health Food,151 Congress St, Paradiza, 63 Penhallow St, Ceres Bakery, 51 Penhallow St, Dos Amigos Burritos, 107 State St, Le Club Boutique,41 Vaughan Mall(one for each entrance),Water Monkey,33 Vaughn Mall,Serendipity,41 Pleasant St,Jane Gee Natural Beauty Care,10 Ladd St,G. Williker! Toy Shop,13 Market St,Treehouse Toys,147 Market St, Portsmouth Brewery,56 Market Street,Tulips,19 Market St,Three Graces,105 Market St,Somnia,107 Congress St

Yoga Mala In Pictures

2011-02-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

A week has passed, my hamstings have recovered..and Yoga Mala was a huge and amazing success!!

The Portsmouth Harbor and Conference Center was a great location and the room was packed by the time I got there.

There were some (H)ART posters on display, thanks to Anna Nuttell and the middle school art students. They looked great and hopefully will be on display around town this week.

One last dash of water and we were off on our 108 Sun Salutation journey.

Time really flew and it was amazing how the energy and everyone in the room came together. Every 10 to 12 sun salutations we were given a thought about hunger and fuel needs which just reaffirmed why we were here, participating in the Yoga Mala and raising money for (H)EAT.

And with a total of $7,000 raised and counting thank you thank you thank to everyone who helped organized and participated in this event for (H)EAT!!

Upcoming Events!

2011-01-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

The 3rd Annual Yoga Mala to benefit (H)EAT is this Sunday!

What is this you ask?...

Yoga Mala joins 13 local yoga studios and the yoga community in a three class of 108 Sun Salutations and meditation.

When: Sunday, February 6^th, 2011 9am to Noon

Where: Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center. 100 Deer St, Portsmouth, NH

How: $20 pre-registered, $25 at the door. Participants are asked to collect pledges in addition to class fee. All proceeds go to benefit (H)EAT.

You can pre-register with your studio, or contact erin@yogaonthehillkittery.com. This year the thirteen participating studios will be offering a prize for the biggest fundraiser for the event: three months of free unlimited yoga at the hosting studios!

There are many ways you can participate, even if you can not attend the actual Yoga Mala event, including emailing Erin to be paired with someone to sponsor.

Shannon McGauley is a yoga teacher who teaches a few days at Yoga East. She is not able to make Yoga Mala this year, but instead will be holding a class this Sunday at her home studio and donating all the money raised that day to (H)EAT!

Big or small contributions; ever little bit helps and it is amazing to see the community come together for this event and the (H)EAT campaign.

Erin Ethers, of Yoga on the Hill in Kittery, ME, and coordinator of Yoga Mala this year says it perfectly:

"Winter can feel harsh and depleting to all of us...but imagine you could not buy groceries or pay for heat. You may have never faced those problems in your own life, but many people in our community do, every winter. We gather as a community to contribute as a group, in a way we cannot contribute as individuals. I doubt any one of us could easily donate $7,000, but that is how much we raised last year. We did this by simply attending a fun class and asking our friends to support us."

$10,000 and Counting!

2011-01-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

The (H)EAT Campaign has raised over $10,000!

See official press release here.

With the campaign half-way over many thanks go out to all of those who are working to make (H)EAT’s goal of raising enough donations to fund 10,000 meals and 10,000 gallons of home heating oil possible. Thank you to Seacoast Local business members Me & Ollies Bakery and Cafe, Philbrick’s Fresh Market, Portsmouth Candle Company, RiverRun Bookstore, SecondRun Bookstore, Runner’s Alley, Treehouse Toys, The Wire, and Yoga East who each have been a huge support to the campaign; hosting collection canisters, food drives and donating funds. And thank you to local businesses D.F. Richard Energy and Lamprey Brothers who have been hard at work providing oil assistance.

Seacoast community members have also played a significant part in raising funds for the (H)EAT Campaign. Thank you to Bruce Pingree and the Press Room for hosting (H)EAT tables at local music nights. Thank you to Michelle Moon, Steve Johnson, and The Red Door for producing A Winters Tale Series. Thank you to Erin Ehlers of Yoga on the Hill and the yoga community for putting on Yoga Mala. And of course, thank you to all who have sent in donations.

We still have two months so we need your help!

If you are interested in volunteering or have a fun, exciting idea for an event you can reach us at info@heat-eat.org.

Yoga Mala Returns!

2011-01-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Get out your yoga mats and join the Seacoast yoga community in a downward facing dog, as the third annual Yoga Mala returns February 6th! Be prepared to unite with 13 local yoga studios in a three hour class of 108 Sun Salutations and meditation to benefit (H)EAT!

Information as follows:

What: Third Annual Yoga Mala to Benefit (H)EAT

When: Sunday, February 6^th, 2011 9am to Noon

Where: Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center. 100 Deer St, Portsmouth, NH

How: $20 pre-registered, $25 at the door. Participants are asked to collect pledges in addition to class fee. All proceeds to benefit (H)EAT

Can't make this event, but still want to help? Contact Erin (erin@yogaonthehillkittery.com) to be paired with someone to sponsor!

Storytellers and listeners of the Seacoast Unite!

2011-01-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

The (H)EAT Campaign is in full swing. So much do! So many things to be excited for!

We are thrilled to announce a Winter's Tale returns! Join us January 23rd, 2011 for the first of three nights at The Red Door Lounge and Martini Bar, 107 State Street from 7pm to 9pm for a storytelling event that brings our creative community together.

A Winter's Tale is produced by Steve Johnson and Michelle Moon and co-sponsored by RiverRun Bookstore and the Wire and the format is simple: on each night, eight people stand before the crowd, one by one, and tell a true tale from their own lives, depending only on their memories. This month story tellers will reflect on "Starting Over".

This year advance ticketing will be available through RiverRun Bookstore beginning January 10. Tickets are $8 apiece and guarantee entry, but seating is limited; guests are encouraged to arrive early to stake out a good listening spot. Tickets will also be sold at the door the evening of the event, as long as space allows.

All proceeds from admission fees will be donated to the (H)EAT Campaign and the SCOOP Program of the Blue Ocean Society, inspiring passion in people to protect local beaches and conserve the marine environment.

For more information visit A Winter's Tale Facebook page.

Actually, we're just getting started.

2011-01-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

The (H)EAT Campaign lasts from Thanksgiving all the way through to March 1st, so there is still plenty of opportunity to get involved. As this Herald article highlights, food pantries get a lot of help at the holidays, but then donations get scarce in January, February, and March.

Please make a donation, or contact us for ways to volunteer. We have lots happening in the next two months.

Blazing into the New Year

2010-12-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

As the holiday "season of giving" comes to a close, that doesn't mean the struggle of those in need of fuel and food ends as well. This week we were hit with out first major snow storm of the year, winter is just beginning. January and February are some of the coldest months of the year and the work of (H)EAT is continues.

So far we have tabled at some great events community events and started delivering oil to local community members through the help of our oil partners; Lamprey Brothers and DF Richard Energy, but there is so much more to do, so many more people to help.

As we enter into the new year we are looking forward to working with more community members and businesses to raise awareness and funds for (H)EAT. If you have a great idea or looking to help out?, email food@seacoastlocal.org.

And here's to a warm, healthy, and happy New Year for everyone on the Seacoast!

Upcoming Events

2010-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, December 18th, join us at The Pressroom (77 Daniels St), 9pm, for the Jumbo Circus Peanuts holiday gala benefit for (H)EAT! Be ready boogie the night away and create your own (H)EAT.

Be sure to come back to the Press Room this Tuesday, December 21st, 5:30pm, for the Larry Garland Jazz Jam.

Also.... Slacking on your Christmas Cards this year? RiverRun and SecondRun Bookstore are now selling special edition (H)EAT Holiday Cards. A bundle of ten is only $20. Such a steal! And all proceeds go to (H)EAT.

And keep an eye out for stores selling the mysterious (H) pins. $1 buys you a pin and an eternity of coolness in the name of (H)EAT.

And last but, not least, check out this food for thought:

"Shaheen asks for heating assistance for NH", CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is urging the federal government to prevent deep cuts in heating assistance to residents of the state, writes the Associated Press for boston.com.

Gather Your Canned Goods

2010-12-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Me & Ollies of Exeter for hosting a (H)EAT table last Thursday at Exeter's annual Holiday Open House and Festival of Trees. The downtown looked spectacular, we got to spread the (H)EAT word and see Santa! All in all it was a great night.

We have some great local businesses hosting food donation boxes. Runner's Alley in downtown Portsmouth is moving their feet for (H)EAT with their Winter Warrior program. Group runners get points for bringing in canned goods with them when they come for their weekly runs. The program goes until Mid March and points can then be traded in for gear. Runner's Alley has generously offered to donate all canned goods to area food pantries for (H)EAT. Whether you are braving the cold for a group run or just stopping in to Runner's Alley for some shopping be sure to bring along a canned good for a great cause.

SecondRun Bookstore, in downtown Portsmouth, is also hosting a food donation box. So the next time you're looking for a book to cozy up by the fire think of (H)EAT and swing by SecondRun with a can.

We are busy working on putting together some more great community events for (H)EAT. Have a great idea or looking to help out? Just email food@seacoastlocal.org. Our next volunteer meeting will be Me & Ollies, Market Square, Portsmouth at 5pm. See you then!

December is Here!

2010-12-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

As the temperature is dropping the (H)EAT campaign is afire!

Tomorrow, Thursday, December 2nd, we will be attending Exeter's annual Holiday Open House and Festival of Trees in honor of all of our Exeter members and their awesome downtown. This is a great event which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., spotlights Exeter's local businesses and kicks off the holiday season. Make sure to stop by our table at Me & Ollies for some great (H)EAT swag, we have some great stocking stuffers!, and to find out more information on how YOU can help.

Happy December everyone!

LET H(EAT) BEGIN!

2010-11-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for H(EAT)!

Starting this week be on the look out for all things H(EAT) including donation canisters on local business counters, posters, swag, and our presence and some great community events!

Tomorrow, Thursday the 17th, there is a volunteer meeting at Me & Ollies, Market Square, Portsmouth, NH at 5pm. All are welcome so come see how you can help out!

Read All About It....!

2010-11-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Portsmouth food pantry in crisis: As busy month nears, charity is even out of beans: Diane Giese said she can't remember the last time the cupboards at the Seacoast Family Food Pantry were devoid of basics like beans, pasta and cans of tuna. A simple walk through the organization's storage rooms these days shows the community cares, but suggests it's also struggling, writes Charles McMahon for SeacoastOnline.

Although this article was written in July, it is still pertinent and, as winter approaches, now more than ever is the time to come together to help and support our community.

(H)EAT CAMPAIGN 2010-2011

2010-10-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Annnnd we’re back!

After a wildly successful last year filled with yoga, feasts, food drives, music, and tales to raise money for food and oil to provide to those in need we are excited start out this season with a goal of raising enough donations to fund 10,000 meals and 10,000 gallons.

We are also thrilled to announce our new campaign partners: Art- Speak and the Porstmouth Middle School Art Program (H)ART project. Working with Art- Speak, the City of Portsmouth’s Cultural Commission, Portsmouth Middle School art students will learn and explore the Seacoast’s own need for food and fuel and then develop a visual campaign that both educates and engages the public on this local need, while co-producing a launch event for the (H)EAT campaign.

(H)EAT is a community driven campaign with the purpose of not only raising money to fund programs and individuals who help provide heating fuel and food assistance for neighbors, but also, emphasizing the role that local independent businesses play in providing charitable giving.

The Campaign runs between Thanksgiving and March 1st, and is made possible by volunteers. So we need your help!

If you are interested in volunteering you can reach us at info@heat-eat.org.