Gowrie Group has once again set an ambitious goal of raising $200,000 to benefit SSKP before the end of the year. To reach this goal, Gowrie Group is challenging local businesses, community members, and shoreline friends to come together and help support the SSKP and our neighbors in need of food services.

When the pandemic struck the shoreline in the Spring of 2020, the SSKP kept their food pantries open each week and shared over 1.6 million pounds of food to people who were struggling to feed their families. The pandemic and the impacts of COVID are still with us this year, and too many shoreline families continue to struggle. So far in 2021, the SSKP is serving almost 50% more people than in prior years.

To meet this increased need, the Gowrie Challenge is once again doubling their efforts to help end hunger along the Connecticut shoreline. To launch this year’s challenge, Gowrie Group is donating a matching gift of $60,000, of which $30,000 is a personal pledge from Carter Gowrie. Six local companies have again stepped forward as Partner Sponsors: LC Doane Company, Tower Labs, Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale, Sound Rigging, BrandTech Scientific, and Essex Financial. The Partner Sponsors are providing an additional $40,000 in matching funds. With over $100,000 in available matching funds, donations will be doubled dollar-for-dollar to help our neighbors.

Since the Gowrie Challenge began in 2004, Gowrie's efforts have raised more the $2.1 million to benefit SSKP. Carter Gowrie, Founder of Gowrie Group, shared, “The pandemic is not over, so our continued support of the SSKP is needed now more than ever. The need for food services has doubled in our communities which is why I am doubling our traditional contribution to the Gowrie Challenge. Together, we can help those in need along our shoreline.”

Amy Hollis, Executive Director of the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries said, “The connective efforts of the Gowrie Challenge make a tangible difference in the community, raising not just funds, but also a collaborative spirit that inspires others to get involved. I am incredibly grateful for the efforts that ensure our neighbors have access to food and fellowship.”

Throughout the year, Gowrie Group and its employees donate time and services to soup kitchens and pantries across New England. The Gowrie team works together to plan and host holiday food drives at regional Gowrie office locations.

Gowrie Group's parent company, Risk Strategies, also believes strongly in the need to give back and support local communities. The Risk Strategies Foundation’s mission is to encourage all employees to actively participate in community charities where they work and live.