Keturah Reed turned her 42nd birthday into 4,000 meals for neighbors in need. Learn how to start your own Team WeFeedLA fundraiser.

For her 42nd birthday, Keturah Reed wanted to do something meaningful. She considered walking 4.2 miles, or driving 42 miles in one direction, just to see where the road would take her. Then a friend mentioned she was hosting a birthday fundraiser for a cause close to her heart and asked Keturah if she planned to do the same.

At first, Keturah hadn’t planned on it. But as she walked to work, she started thinking about what organization she might want to support. After a quick web search for worthwhile organizations doing good work in the Los Angeles area, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank came up.

“I felt a pull towards this organization because I see the homelessness on our streets and people living in their cars, and I know that the team helps to feed people in these situations,” she said.

Spreading Awareness on Food Insecurity

Food Bank peer-to-peer fundraisers do more than raise vital funds. They also build awareness about food insecurity in our community, and Keturah found creative ways to do both.

Using video provided by the Food Bank, she produced three short videos to promote her Team WeFeedLA fundraiser. One of them, a birthday video built around that footage, even inspired a $200 donation.

In the end, Keturah raised $1,000, enough to provide roughly 4,000 meals for neighbors facing hunger in LA County.

“I’m thankful to everyone who has given,” Keturah shared. “It’s more than I could have given on my own.”

The Impact in LA County

Every month, the Food Bank and our network of partner agencies serve more than 1.2 million people across Los Angeles County. Because 96% of every dollar donated goes directly toward programs, fundraisers like Keturah’s help put food on the tables of families who need it most.

Her story shows that making a difference doesn’t require a big event or an elaborate plan. Sometimes it starts with something you care about and a decision to act.

Here’s how you can get started:

• Host a Fundraiser: Make it yours. Whether you’re honoring a loved one, celebrating a milestone, or simply feeling generous, let your story and your passion for helping others shine through.
• Spread the Word: Share your fundraiser with friends, family, and colleagues through your networks and social media. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real impact.
• Give the Gift of Impact: Instead of traditional gifts, invite your loved ones to give to your fundraiser. Your celebration can bring joy to many neighbors in need.