The Annual Charity Gala
Eat, Drink
And Be Giving! 2026
Join us for our signature evening of elegance and impact. Your presence helps us bridge the gap for thousands of students across North Carolina. An evening featuring local cuisine, live auctions, and inspiring stories of change.
Date: September 24, 2026
LOCATION: Millbrook Manor: 1705 E Millbrook Rd Raleigh, NC 27609
About For Children Partners Inc.
For Children Partners Inc. was founded in 2022 with one clear belief:
no child should ever be denied a meal at school.
Our organization began after our founder, E.K. Simmons, learned that a teacher was using her own money to provide food for students who had no way to afford a school meal. Children were going hungry for reasons beyond their control—forgotten lunches, empty meal accounts, or financial hardship.
That reality had to change.
Today, For Children Partners works one school at a time to fight childhood food insecurity and ensure every child has access to breakfast and lunch so they can focus on learning—not hunger.
100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly toward providing school meals to children in need.
The Reality of Childhood Hunger
Too many children arrive at school hungry, unable to focus,
learn, or thrive. Food insecurity affects families across North Carolina
—and the impact is closer than many realize.
Childhood Food
Insecurity in Our Community
18.9% of children in North Carolina experience food insecurity (438,200 children)
11.8% of children in Wake County experience food insecurity (31,640 children)
Host A Fundraiser!
Are you a parent or volunteer wanting to fundraise for your school? We would love to partner with you. We can help. We can create a school specific page on our website and link it with your school community.
Why School Meals Matter
Nutrition Fuels Learning
Children need proper nourishment to focus, think clearly, and succeed academically. Research shows that skipping meals—especially breakfast—can negatively affect energy levels, concentration, and cognitive development.
Hunger reduces attention and focus in the classroom
Skipping breakfast affects memory and learning
Nutrient deficiencies impact brain development
Eat, Drink And Be Giving
On December 4th, we were honored to welcome Miss North Carolina to Eat, Drink and Be Giving in support of For Children Partners Inc.
This Year’s Impact
$26,491.89 transferred directly to students
133 schools actively using the program
273 breakfasts provided
1,060 lunches served
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is For Children Partners Inc.?
For Children Partners Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to meals at school, regardless of their family's financial situation.
2. Why Was The Organization Created?
The organization was founded after our founder, E. K. Simmons, learned that many teachers were using their own money to buy snacks for students who came to school hungry.
3. How Do You Help Children?
We partner with schools to cover the cost of breakfast and lunch for any child who cannot afford it.
