Thursday, Feb. 04 2010 5:41PM

Grisamore attends fundraiser for new Lee’s Summit non-profit

Journal Staff

On Jan. 30, Rep. Jeff Grisamore R-District 47, attended a fundraiser for Coldwater, a new non-profit organization based in Lee’s Summit. The event, which was held in Lee’s Summit’s Emaline Ballroom, drew 250 guests.

Coldwater is focused on providing food and clothing for the needy, pursuing the provision of residential community-based housing for young adults with disabilities and providing services to assist them in transitioning from their school years into adulthood.

Since its recent inception, Coldwater has provided more than 500 families and 2,000 individuals with food and clothing. Forty percent of the recipients were children, while 25 percent were senior citizens. Grisamore said many people associate the need for food and clothing with the urban core. He said there is a growing population of individuals and families in need of assistance in suburban areas, such as Lee’s Summit.

“Many outstanding groups like Lee’s Summit Social Services and Coldwater are meeting the needs of a growing number of needy persons in Lee’s Summit, as well as many churches in the area that have food pantries and clothing distribution,” Grisamore said.

In addition to Coldwater’s Neighbors Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, the organization also provides food for chronically hungry school children through its “backpack club.”

In this program, backpacks containing nutritious meals are distributed every Friday through local schools to the neediest children in order to provide them with food on the weekends.

“What I am most excited about is Coldwater’s passion to pursue residential, community-based housing and transitional support services for young adults with disabilities. There is a tremendous need for organizations that can provide such services to this underserved population,” Grisamore said.

Coldwater’s recent founding was led by Chuck Arney, a local faith-based and community leader.

For more information about Coldwater, e-mail contact@coldwater4u.org, go to www.coldwater.me or contact it at 816-786-0758.