Rosie’s Emporia Team Partners with Rise Against Hunger to Combat Food Insecurity

EMPORIA, Virginia (November 12, 2025)—Members from Rosie’s Emporia participated in a volunteer initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in the local community. In addition to hands-on service, Rosie’s Give Back contributed $4,000 to support Rise Against Hunger’s mission. 

Rise Against Hunger is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Their work focuses on communities experiencing high levels of food insecurity. 

The event, held at the Ruritan Club in Emporia, Virginia, brought together volunteers not only from Rosie’s Emporia, but community leaders, fellow citizens and a local Girl Scout troop. Together, the group packed an impressive 10,000 meals in under two hours. Each milestone of 1,000 meals was marked by the ringing of a gong, symbolizing a collective achievement and reinforcing the spirit and purpose that defined the day.

For many volunteers, the issue of child hunger is something they have encountered, witnessed or experienced. This shared understanding fostered a strong sense of unity and determination among participants. The event served as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when individuals come together with a common goal.

“To see everyone working together from different age groups, backgrounds and walks of life for the greater good truly was something inspiring and special to witness,” said Shearish Keliiholokai, General Manager of Rosie’s Emporia.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Emporia and around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program, which has made more than $5.4 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia, including groups providing services in education, workforce development, healthcare, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.