A few years ago, while speaking with a teacher in Mesa Public Schools, Ruth Collins became aware of school children in our community, who do not have food in their homes during the weekend. When she became aware of the need, she took immediate action. Ruth founded AzBrainfood in August 2009. Azbrainfood is a 100% volunteer organization that discreetly provides a backpack of healthy food to nourish school age children throughout the weekend. This food helps to prepare each child to return to school mentally aware and physically able to concentrate. Ruth has inspired people to volunteer, to donate their time and money, to go beyond their comfort zone to serve people in our community. Ruth exemplifies the best characteristics of humanity, by using her time, talents and resources to serve hungry children in Arizona. AzBrainfood is currently feeding 1050 children each week throughout the 2011-2012 school year. (34,650 bags of food in Mesa, Gilbert and Apache Junction are being distributed this year.) Ruth does not know the meaning of the word "No". If you respond with a no, she automatically replies, "Why not?" or "Why can't we?" When she realized the growing need to raise money to feed more children, she determined to find a way. She rallied business leaders in our community, and in conjunction with Arnett Insurance, they have organized the Phoenix Marathon (www.thephoenixmarathon.com) with all proceeds directed to Azbrainfood. (www.azbrainfood.org) Ruth inspires people to join with her, stretch and grow by serving others in our community. She is meeting a critical need in our community, and she is investing in our society's future, by enabling these hungry children to become successful in their educational endeavors. Ruth is an unstoppable force for good. She is an inspiring woman.

Signed,
Bridget Verhaaren