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Hickory Farms Halftime Heroes Essay Contest

Citizens for Adequate Housing, Inc.
40 Washington St.
Peabody, MA 01960
Press Release

Contact: Judith Murray at jmurray@cahns.org
May 19, 2008

For Immediate Release

Hickory Farms “Halftime Heroes Contest” Has Local Winner

Peabody Teen Assigns Her Winnings to Citizens for Adequate Housing, Inc.

Local teen Katelyn Mello, of Peabody, was a winner of Hickory Farms “Halftime Heroes Essay Contest”.

This young teen is a definite winner in the eyes of Citizens for Adequate Housing, Inc.; where Katelyn generously donated her prize of $1,000.  Citizens for Adequate Housing, Inc., celebrating its 25th year of providing shelter and affordable housing to families who might otherwise be homeless is so grateful for Katelyn’s generosity.  The Hickory Farms “Halftime Heroes Contest” encourages participants to write a brief essay about someone who has made a difference in their lives by being a great coach, mentor, or life’s example. The grand prize winner and five finalists received $5,000 and $1,000 each, respectively, to be donated to the charitable organization of their choice.

“Hickory Farms was pleased to sponsor this contest for the first time last year, and is excited to continue the effort,” said Michael Holton, Director of Marketing for Hickory Farms Grocery Product Division.  “The essay contest encourages good will and gives people a chance to say ‘thank you’ to individuals who have inspired them.  It also gives Hickory Farms the opportunity to give back to communities that we are proud to be a part of.”

Mello learned of the “Halftime Heroes Contest” from her creative writing teacher Argy Felismino at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School.  Katelyn wrote her moving essay about her friend’s mom, Lisa Langsam, who, until losing her battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, was a living example of altruistic concern for everyone.

“When I found out I won one of the $1,000 prizes I researched organizations in Peabody, and decided to give the donation to Citizens for Adequate Housing”, said Mello.  “I liked how much Citizens for Adequate Housing helps women and children, and I knew Lisa would be proud to donate to this organization.”  Katelyn’s mother had brought a Girl Scout troop to CAH’s Inn Between several years ago to do a project, so CAH’s shelters were no strangers to the Mello household. 

Citizens for Adequate Housing combats homelessness, providing shelter, advocacy and affordable housing for families.  It operates 3 programs serving parents and children:  the Inn Between is an emergency shelter, the Inn Transition is a sober-living facility with a parent in recovery, and the Communities Land Trust develops and provides affordable housing within 16 apartments in Peabody.

“Citizens for Adequate Housing fills an important role in the Peabody community by working individually with each family, ending homelessness one family at a time,” said CAH Director of Development Betsy Leeman.  “This generous donation by Hickory Farms that Katelyn has chosen to give our organization will help to make a difference to each child and family member as we continue our efforts to not only provide housing, but to also coach and support families as they work to connect and stabilize.”

“This contest is a wonderful example of the power of words, “said Holton, Hickory Farms Director of Marketing.

He continued, “It’s heart-warming that these participants took the time to put their feelings on paper knowing they weren’t receiving any individual reward, but instead were assisting the important work of local charitable organizations.  Hickory Farms is pleased to be a part of the winners’ selfless and giving effort.”

Hickory Farms products are available at local groceries, convenience and retail stores in the Peabody area, or on-line at www.hickoryfarms.com.  To learn more about Citizens for Adequate Housing, Inc. please visit www.cahns.org, or call 978-531-9775.

Photographed above, (Left to Right)  Nancy Crowder, Executive Director of CAH, Inc., Katelyn Mello, Hickory Farms Halftime Essay Contest Winner and Ana Reid, Program Director of the Inn Between.