There are some acts of generosity that do not make the headlines, but there is one taking place in Stamford that should. A local North Stamford resident, Nina Kuch, is donating her house to Midwest Food Bank New England (valued at approximately $1 million), an organization that provides food to the 1 in 8 people in Connecticut suffering from food insecurity. Midwest Food Bank is a non-denominational, faith-based organization that gathers food donations, primarily from large companies, and distributes them to other non-profit organizations and disaster sites.
Nina and her late husband, a former GE executive, custom built their colonial-style house nestled in the woods of North Stamford in 1998. The house includes several unique features including a banister from President Ulysses Grant’s Washington, DC mansion. At 87 years old, Nina is moving to Virginia, and decided she wanted to donate the house to a charity. After vetting several through Charity Navigator, she landed on Midwest Food Bank, the country’s largest food bank by revenue (donations), who, in Connecticut alone, distribute nearly $50 million in food each year to those experiencing hunger related to changes in circumstance, rising costs, job loss or a myriad of other reasons.
To start the process, Nina and Midwest Food Bank New England’s Kristen McNamara, interviewed several local realtors before selecting Suzette Kraus of Compass, who they felt understood Nina’s mission better than anyone. On November 15, Nina signed the deed of her house over to Midwest Food Bank, and Suzette began the process of selling it. "I am truly honored to be involved in this incredible effort. This is more than a real estate transaction for me … it's a mission. With the support of my extensive Compass network and initiatives through Compass Cares, I can provide the exposure this property deserves. It's amazing to know that the sale of this one home will impact millions, and I am grateful to play a role in such a meaningful cause." said Suzette.
Midwest Food Bank distributes $40 worth of food for every $1.00 donated in Connecticut and beyond, providing hope and nourishing both physical and spiritual hunger. They receive most of their donations from large companies like Kellogg's, that donate their overstock as it approaches its sell-by date. But every once in a blue moon, they will come across an angel like Nina Kuch, whose $1 million donation ($40 million of food) will do wonders for this community.
Midwest Food Bank also provides disaster relief assistance. They are dedicated in the fight against food scarcity. Widely recognized for their organizational transparency, please consider a donation at www.Midwestfoodbank.org.
“This is more than a real estate transaction for me … it’s a mission.” - Suzette Kraus