Richmond’s new mayor seeks gifts for foodbank

By Will Jones

Published: January 7, 2009

Saturday's inaugural activities for Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones will do more than commemorate new leadership in City Hall.

They'll also restock the shelves of the Central Virginia Foodbank.

Organizers are encouraging everyone who attends the events to bring nonperishable food and infant formula for the nonprofit community pantry.

"We're just so thrilled that our new mayor would value something as important as feeding hungry people in the community," said Fay Lohr, president and chief executive officer of the foodbank.

The pantry is struggling to keep its shelves full as demand for food increases with the economy's struggles. In December, the foodbank took in more than 881,000 pounds of food but distributed more than 946,000 pounds.

"In January and February, people tend to forget," Lohr said. "Hunger is 365 days a year."

Jones has said he wants an administration that cares and was moved by the story of an infant in Florida who nearly died of malnourishment after his mother watered down his formula to get more feedings from a can.

He took office Jan. 1 as the second elected mayor under the city's new form of government, succeeding L. Douglas Wilder.

Saturday's inaugural festivities are open to the public and will start at 10 a.m. with an interfaith service at First Baptist Church of South Richmond, where Jones is pastor. Jones is not scheduled to speak, but the service will include prayers and remarks by the Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y. Richardson and Jones attended Virginia Union University together.

At noon, Jones will re-enact last week's swearing-in and deliver an address during a ceremony in the City Council's chamber at City Hall. The ceremony will be followed by a public reception at the Library of Virginia.

The festivities will conclude at 8 p.m. with an inaugural ball at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

"We expect a high-energy, fun evening that will celebrate a new day in Richmond," said Jean Boone, a co-chairwoman of Jones' inaugural committee.

The church service and swearing-in ceremony are free. Tickets to the ball are $75 per person and $1,000 for a table of 10. The dance is black-tie optional and will feature a cash bar and music by Groove Spot and Plunky & Oneness.

As of yesterday, about 600 people had made reservations, leading organizers to expect 700 to 900 attendees, said Matt Felan, who is overseeing fundraising for the inaugural activities and a campaign luncheon for Jones on Friday at The Jefferson Hotel.

Overall, the inaugural activities are expected to cost $75,000 to $100,000, with tickets to the ball expected to cover much of the expenses.

Felan said Jones' inaugural fund will pay a rental fee for the use of First Baptist Church. State law requires governors but not mayors to report contributions to their inaugural funds. Jones has said he will report his contributions voluntarily.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .