MARIE WILKINSON SPIRIT AWARD
Marie’s annual “Spirit Award” honors Diane Renner for 14 years of service as executive director of the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry.
Under Diane’s leadership, the number of guests served by Marie’s volunteers has increased from ~80 to ~1,100 guests per week! Food Rescue has grown from 1 grocery store pickup, to 40 pickups per week.
Diane has managed two major expansions at Marie’s West Pantry on Highland Ave. and facilitated the creation of a new Community Garden and Urban Farm program.
She has also led the opening of two new pantry locations on Aurora’s East Side, and five emergency micro-pantries across the city. Her efforts in fundraising have secured two vans and a box truck, enabling volunteers to transport ~91,000 lbs of food rescued from stores each month.
Four weekly services now support residents in both East & West Side neighborhoods, ensuring vital nutrition resources reach those in need.
Diane’s dedication to hunger relief has fostered partnerships with numerous organizations, inspiring a devoted team, and improving the quality of life for thousands of households. All who’ve had the privilege of working alongside Diane are inspired by her passion for the mission of nourishing our community.
