Cavner promises to match $50,000 donation to Kitchen

Cavner, who recently joined The Signature Bank to head its new brokerage division, announced Sept. 21 that she and her husband and daughter will donate $30,000 to the food bank. Cavner promised an additional $50,000 if that amount can be matched in community donations by Oct. 21.

Donations for an average month usually total far less than $50,000, Kitchen spokesperson Mary Ann Johnston said, but about $10,000 has been collected since Cavner issued the challenge.

“We have a long way to go, but we’re trying to get out the word, asking the community to respond,” she said.

Johnston said The Kitchen has seen its share of empty shelves since Hurricane Katrina hit five weeks ago. Donors have directed their contributions to hurricane relief, while refugees to the area have increased demand for aid.

“There’s always a need at The Kitchen, but Katrina did hurt us and increased our needs,” she said. “This would help us get over that hump.”

Donations can be sent to The Cavner Family Match at The Kitchen, 1630 N. Jefferson, Springfield, Mo., 65803.

Cavner also has been in the news as a target of a U.S. Bancorp lawsuit related to her move to The Signature Bank.