The Community Food Bank is on track to meet its holiday goal, thanks to a $50,000 donation Tuesday from auto dealer Jim Click, in tribute to former Tucson Mayor and food bank champion Lew Murphy.
Murphy, who died Dec. 1 at 72, was Tucson's mayor for 16 years and helped to start the food bank. He served on the board, and throughout the years gave a personal contribution every month, said Joy Tucker, interim executive director.
Heading into the holiday season, the food bank had been in crisis, with the least food on hand in 10 years, Tucker said. The food bank needed $160,000 to get through the holiday season, and with Click's gift has just $15,000 left to raise and is expected to meet that, she said.
Click, who worked with Murphy on an early capital campaign for the food bank, said he asked Murphy's widow, Carol, what he should do as a tribute, and she said to donate to the food bank now, and not wait until next year.
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"He loved this community, he loved his family and he loved this organization because he knew what it did every day for people a little less fortunate," Click said. "He's one of Tucson's best citizens ever."
Click's contribution comes on top of the $25,000 he makes every year, challenging the community to match the amount.
"Because of Lew Murphy, the food bank is the premier non-profit organization in this community," said Mayor Bob Walkup.
● A celebration of Lew Murphy to benefit the food bank.
When: Saturday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, Reid Park.
Details: Everyone is asked to bring a can of food or a cash donation for the Community Food Bank. Men are encouraged to wear guayabera shirts.
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