Nonprofit president coming to Randolph College

By Christa Desrets

Published: November 14, 2008

If food industry leaders started running out of the “leftovers” that they donate to feed the hungry, how would the nonprofit sector react?

 
WHAT: Nonprofit authority Robert Egger speaks in a free lecture open to the public
WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Randolph College’s Houston Memorial Chapel

Robert Egger is looking for new ideas to unite philanthropy, commerce and government at all levels.

The founder and president of the D.C. Central Kitchen, Egger will speak on “Combating Hunger — Creating Opportunity” Monday at Randolph College’s Houston Memorial Chapel at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

“There hasn’t been a dramatic decrease in the people who are poor. And the leftovers are running out,” he said in a recent phone interview. “I’m interested in a deeper, richer conversation, and that’s what I’m coming to talk about.”

Egger began the conversation nearly 20 years ago, when he founded the D.C. Central Kitchen, where the unemployed learn culinary skills while cooking foods donated by restaurants, hotels and caterers to feed the hungry.

Since opening in 1989, the kitchen has distributed more than 20 million meals and helped 700 men and women gain full-time employment.

Egger remains president of the kitchen and also travels the country as a nationally respected authority on the nonprofit world.

“I’m always anxious to speak to university students,” he said. “I’m looking at a whole generation, a university system full to the brim of people who have been raised thinking of the community.”

He’s found that the younger generation thinks outside traditional models separating philanthropy from commerce.

“Now is the time to openly question,” he said, referencing the country’s economic crisis.

He hopes to unite the 100 million volunteers and employees at nonprofit organizations in the country as a political power.

“The nonprofit sector in America needs to stop being passive and just sort of hoping that these policies get enacted,” he said.

Egger’s appearance is sponsored by Randolph College’s Ron and MaryJane Dolan Peace and Justice Fund.

Jennifer Abbassi, a political science professor who is coordinating the event with staff member Stacy Delano, said Egger is “someone who brings volunteers, donors, and the people together to create long-lasting solutions to complicated social problems.”

“I believe his talk will inspire students and our community in new and creative ways.”