Author Erin Gruwell to speak at Women Fighting Hunger event

Sharon Wren
·2 min read
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A New York Times bestselling author and educator will be the keynote speaker at an event that aims to end hunger in the Quad Cities area.

Erin Gruwell will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Women Fighting Hunger event at Rhythm City Casino on March 28. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:15 p.m., followed by the program. Gruwell began teaching in Long Beach, Calif. almost 30 years ago, working with students “written off” by the system to harness the power of education to graduate high school. Her dedication to her students resulted in the publication of The Freedom Writers Diary.

Women who are passionate about River Bend’s mission to work to build hunger-free communities will gather together for networking. Despite its name, the event welcomes men for an evening of networking, dinner and a program. There will also be raffles, a wine pull and information on ways to give back to River Bend Food Bank through education, advocacy, volunteerism or donations.

Gruwell and the Freedom Writers published their book, The Freedom Writers Diary in 1999, which explores their journeys from hardship to hope. The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank as Gruwell. The film brought their work to an even wider audience, and she uses her platform to continue fighting for equity and inclusion with her nonprofit, the Freedom Writers Foundation.

Gruwell has been recognized for her work with several humanitarian awards, including the prestigious Spirit of Anne Frank Award.

Group and individual tickets for the Women Fighting Hunger event can be purchased here (riverbendfoodbank.org/womenfightinghunger ). Bottles of wine may also be pre-ordered. All proceeds be used to purchase food to support River Bend’s Mission of ending hunger in our communities.

“We’re excited that people are still loving it as much as we love putting it on,” said Jenny Colvin, River Bend Food Bank’s Chief Development Officer. “It’s always a memorable evening and one everyone can feel great about.”

For more information on River Bend Food Bank, click here.

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