Feeding Westchester hosted “Together We Nourish” today honoring The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester (GCLW) for surpassing $1 million in grants directed to hunger relief in Westchester County since the group’s founding in 2011.
Local dignitaries, Giving Circle members, and Feeding Westchester staff, gathered at Feeding Westchester’s Elmsford headquarters to celebrate the milestone in the fight against hunger.
A Decade-Plus of Community Impact
Founded in 2011 by Eric Nodiff, alongside original members Paul Warhit and Lloyd Robinson, The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester began with 20 members who collectively donated $25,000 in its first year. Today, the all-volunteer organization has grown to 60 members, with Paul Warhit serving as President for the past four years. Operating as a “giving circle,” GCLW pools member contributions and directs them to food pantries and soup kitchens that serve Westchester residents at risk of hunger. Because the organization is entirely volunteer-run, virtually 100% of donations go directly toward its mission.
The Million Dollar Campaign
In 2025, when The Giving Circle recognized that total lifetime giving stood at $875,000, the Board launched a Million Dollar Campaign to push total grants over the $1 million threshold. The campaign officially kicked off in September 2025 with “Comics for a Cause” at the Coliseum in White Plains, a benefit event that raised $10,000 and featured President Paul Warhit as one of the performers. Over the final three months of 2025, Giving Circle members donated more than $125,000, bringing total lifetime grants past the $1 million mark.
“The support and generosity of our members has been overwhelming,” said Eric Nodiff, who chaired the Million Dollar Campaign. “A major factor in reaching this milestone was that our members recognized how recent federal policy changes affecting SNAP are likely to reduce benefits and increase food insecurity. This will place additional strain on Feeding Westchester and their partner food pantries and soup kitchens, which are already experiencing record demand.”
Why This Matters for Westchester
Feeding Westchester estimates that more than 1 in 3 households in Westchester County are at risk of hunger. Each month, the food bank and their 175 partners serve an average of 235,000 neighbor visits, including 80,000 child visits and 41,000 visits from seniors. The $1 million granted by The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester translates to two million meals received by local families.
“The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester has been a valued partner for more than a decade, and this $1 million milestone is a testament to their vision, commitment, and belief in our community,” said Tami Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Feeding Westchester. “At a time when hunger is rising and safety net programs are under pressure, their support has helped us provide nutritious food to children, single parents, veterans, working families, and seniors. We are grateful to every member of the Giving Circle for their leadership and generosity.”
