For 12 years, Feinstein, a Rhode Island philanthropist, has donated $1 million annually to anti-hunger agencies through his nonprofit Feinstein Foundation.

He requires some participation on the agency's part.  For the Folks at Porcupine, it's worth it  !!!

Here's how it works: Charities like Devils Tower-Sacred To Many People across the country work to raise donations from March 1 to April 30 by letting donors know the money and food they receive will dictate how much of a percentage they receive from the Feinstein challenge. At the end of the two months, the charities' efforts are calculated, and each gets a cut according to how much it raised and how many charities participated.    

It's a simple concept that has had tremendous results. Last year, 1,700 organizations took part, raising $197 million for the hungry. And since the Foundation issued the first call a dozen years ago, 2,000-plus agencies have raised more than $1 billion.  In 2009, the foundation's gifts ranged from $250 to $40,000. Sacred received $490 in 2009.

For Sacred, it is an opportunity to spotlight our focus on Community Wellness by addressing issues of access to fresh food in addition to downright hunger. 

It takes about $100,000 a year to run the nonprofit, which provides fresh fruit and vegetables, canned goods, non-perishable foods along with furniture, fuel and clothing to communities on Pine Ridge near Porcupine in conjunction with other organizations, such as One Nation Walking Together. With donations down and demand up, Sacred is about $50,000 in the red.

"We're struggling right now.  During the cold of winter, the focus has been on paying for heat and lights at the Clinic.  We've been unable to provide for the Public Health Nurses' needs and have had to let the next semi-truck load sit at the loading dock until donations come in to help pay for it," states Juliana Byrd, grant coordinator for the non-profit.  "Finding funds to assist with the basics has become much more difficult." 

"There is a core of supporters, climbers, world travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, who have made Devils Tower-Sacred To Many People a reality, who have provided for our fellow Americans in their suffering," Juliana goes on to say.  "We have been able to create a sense of community based on a shared reverence of this Powerful place.  Participation in Feinstein's Challenge promotes our goal of uniting people from diverse walks of life, and provides an avenue of financial stability we need to remain as steady and lasting in our giving as the Tower."   

Sacred was founded in 2008 and has received substantial support from Wal-Mart. A large percentage of its operating budget comes from individual and business donations as well as fund raising concerts and a nation-wide speaking tour by Frank Sanders. 

And Feinstein hopes his challenge will pump up that volume.    

"I've been lucky to make money. So it seems only right to give a lot of it back to people who need help," says the 78-year-old, who answers the phone at his foundation's headquarters in Cranston, R.I.

A former schoolteacher, he made his fortune in publishing newsletters on economics and wealth, and selling collectibles. He says he wishes he had some elaborate back story as to why he chose hunger as one of his chief causes. But he doesn't. He just believes that no one should go to bed hungry at night, especially in a country as bountiful as America.

Feinstein's foundation, established in 1991, also encourages schoolchildren to get involved in charitable projects. So far, there are more than 160 "Feinstein Leadership Schools" in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that benefit financially from participating in programs that help their communities. Feinstein also provides scholarships to students.

He makes his $1 million anti-hunger challenge simple to encourage involvement.

"We've seen agencies increase their fundraising efforts by two to three times their usual returns from this initiative," he says.

Sacred is asking supporters to spread the word about the challenge, and the added value of March and April donations, through e-mail, social media networks, the workplace and churches. Few organizations in Wyoming and South Dakota participate, creating indredible opportunities for agencies providing relief and hope.

There has never been a time to deny the difficulties folks on Pine Ridge are facing. Donations have gotten smaller. Finding the $1 million Feinstein challenge was a "huge blessing and opportunity for us," Frank, founder of Devils Tower-Sacred To Many People says.