“Starting tomorrow, August 19, I am going to fast for two days. How many of you who have plenty of food will ‘sponsor’ me and donate $10/day to help the terrible famine in the Horn of Africa? I’m talking logging on to Unicef and dipping your card for twenty bucks. That ain’t much, and your word is good enough for me. Holler back, link to this page, and please share, ’cause I can’t wait forever.”

These were the words that sparked my interest. I know Mark, in fact, you all should know Mark. His audio prowess is amazing, simply stunning. Mark did the audio for our game, Sushi Star and has an impressive biography.

Mark’s started a Facebook page to raise awareness to the children in the Horn of Africa. Drought, famine, rising food costs, and a refugee crisis. The drought is the worse in the area in 60 years.

Mark is fasting for two days, starting tomorrow, August 19th. Mark’s not being paid, he’s not sponsored. There is no financial gain, but he is PASSIONATE about this cause.

I had the chance to ask Mark some questions before he starts fasting tomorrow:

1. Short bio

Creative Director/Owner @ Suite Spot Studios in Cherry Hill, NJ. Born + raised in Lancaster, Penna. Graphic Arts major at Penn State and Recording Engineering major at Temple U. Started career recording actual vinyl albums! in and around Philadelphia; rock of the ’80′s … six years as Senior Sound Designer at Nickelodeon in the ’90′s and ten years mixing national commercials for Mad Men in NY. Now a video editor, graphic designer, music producer, sound designer…

(See I told you right? Freakin’ amazing body of work).

2. What gave you this idea?

I was raised in a family that supported Food Banks and carried food to needy families in Lancaster. Throughout my life I have tried to contribute to food banks wherever I have lived. I have been aware of this tragedy in the Horn of Africa for a few months … growing more concerned each day.

3. Have you fasted before? Anything you’ve done to prepare, learn, research, etc? Or cold turkey?

(I) changed my diet this year kind of majorly: no bread, no cakes, no pies, switched to soy milk, smaller portions, and I now weigh less than I did in high school. I have always felt our portions are way too huge, and Americans are poster children for over-eaters. No I have never fasted for more than about ten hours.

4. What makes you passionate about this cause?

I am passionate because all my life I have had every convenience and opportunity, and so many people have nothing but woe; the imbalance is galling.

5. What’s next, anything in the works to fundraise for other worthy causes?

I support other friends who run, bike, and walk for their important causes, and will continue to do so. My wife and I support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. If anything I will look for ways to contribute more to charities as I grow older.

6. What, if anything, inspired you specifically for this?

I have spent too many years looking at life selfishly. I don’t want to live that way.

I am inspired. Check out Mark’s Fast for Famine Facebook page.

Visit the official UNICEF page to learn more or donate.

Two million children are at risk of starvation in Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. The worst drought in 60 years is compounded by rising food prices and a refugee crisis, creating a true children’s emergency in the Horn of Africa.

UNICEF urgently requires additional funds to maintain critical lifesaving services for children who face malnutrition, disease and death.

Use this form to make a secure, tax-deductible donation to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. If you prefer, print a form to send your donation by mail or call 1.800.4UNICEF (1.800.486.4233) to donate by phone.

Funds raised in excess of immediate needs in this disaster will be used to assist children in other emergency situations.

Hi folks, thanks to Laurie for letting us know about Post Foods “Bowls of Hope” program. Post Foods, in partnership with Feeding America, will donate up to 15 million balanced breakfasts to struggling Americans. For each purchase of a specially-marked cereal — including Post Shredded Wheat Original, Post Shredded Wheat Spoon Size Original, Post Shredded Wheat and Bran, Post Shredded Wheat Lightly Frosted, and Post Shredded Wheat Honey Nut — Post Foods will donate one balanced breakfast.

Get more info at the Post Shredded Wheat website (turn off pop-up blockers).

Hi folks, the Bishop Museum will be offering a special promotion from February 5th to the 12th. For each can of food you donate you get $1 off the price of admission. The limit is $3, but hey, why not bring even more cans for this great cause. It’s in support of the Hawaii Food Bank’s Annual Food Drive. This special applies to both regular and kama’aina rates for both adults and children. We’ve got an annual membership to the museum but what better way to help a good cause and have friends join you at the museum for a discounted admission rate!

To get more info from the Bishop Museum, call 847-3511. 

Pound for Pound

Have you heard about the Weight Watchers program called “Lose for Good“? It’s a great idea. For each pound lost by a Weight Watcher member, Weight Watchers will donate the cost of 1 pound of food to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger. The maximum amount is $1 million dollars which is a lot of food (and a lot of pounds lost!). It’s incredible that, to date, members across the country have lost 4 million pounds during the program… 4 MILLION. Wow!

This leads to me hunger. What a great time to donate to your local food bank, Share Our Strength, or Action Against Hunger.

The photos featured in this post are actual photos of donations made in IL. Awesome! Photos courtesy of Mary Dalton.