It started as a joke…
Bob Stane and Ken Marshall would drive down S. Pasadena Ave and, just before Bellefontaine, they would say, “you know, someday we should put a fork in this road” (you have to look at the map above to get the joke).
As a surprise for Stane’s 75th birthday, Marshall and a few friends did just that- they installed an 18ft high fork right in the median. It was a fantastic bit of public art and it attracted lots of attention. So much attention, that another of Stane’s friends, Realtor (and Pasadena Teles agent) Phillip Coombes said, “we should put the fork in hunger!”.
All of the friends thought this was a grand idea and the first “Put the Fork in Hunger” food drive was started. The friends billed it as the largest food drive in Pasadena, collecting two tons of food as people “drove by” the fork, handing over bags of food to volunteers.
It is 2011 and the Fork is now back, this time as a permanent art installation. The food drive is also back with proceeds to benefit Union Station- a large social services organization assisting the homeless throughout San Gabriel Valley.
There are three ways you can help to “Put the Fork in Hunger”
- Bring your non-perishable goods to our Kick Off party at my office Thursday, November 10 (info below)
- Drive by the Fork Saturday or Sunday from 8-4 and drop off your donation
- Call me and I will pick up the donation from you!
