Remembering Guenther Hecht
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the recent loss of our founder and mentor, Guenther Hecht. Thanks to his drive, determination and vision, countless people experiencing food insecurity don’t have to choose between feeding their families and paying a bill.
Guenther started Second Helpings as a grassroots effort in Hilton Head. When he returned to Atlanta, he carried the idea of replicating the food rescue program to his home synagogue, Temple Sinai. In time, and with the help of committed congregants, the small social action project blossomed into a city-wide effort and became Second Helpings Atlanta, the preeminent food rescue program in our City. From 2004 to today, Second Helpings Atlanta is the city’s only nonprofit focused on driving fresh, surplus food to those who need it the most, while keeping it out of landfills.
Guenther’s altruistic spirit was instilled at a young age. His family fled the atrocities of the Holocaust and settled in New York when he was just 11 years old. With the help and support of strangers, they made a life for themselves. Guenther never lost his sense of gratitude and was keenly aware that a simple gesture of kindness could have a meaningful impact on someone’s life.
Guenther served in the Navy, attended Cooper Union College on the GI Bill, married, started a family and began a long and successful career with Rich’s Department Stores.
What started as an idea to reduce food waste and help those who were food insecure has grown into a volunteer-driven organization with a commitment to tackling food insecurity throughout our metropolitan community. Since Guenther planted the seed of Second Helpings Atlanta, there is currently a full-time staff of 8 who have facilitated the rescue of over 22 million pounds of food and delivered to those who need it the most.
Thank you, Guenther, for sharing your kind spirit with the world. We will carry on your work in your honor and your memory.
A funeral service to remember and honor Gunner’s life and legacy will be held graveside at Crest Lawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 2:00 PM. Following the service, the family will be receiving at Temple Sinai from 4:00-6:00 PM.
