The food bank’s 30th anniversary will be honoured with a new event. The first annual Evening of Hope Not Hunger awards gala will take place at the Best Western Glengarry on June 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and awards at 7 p.m.
“It’s to recognize the phenomenal support we have from the community but also to be a fundraiser because donations are traditionally down (heading into the summer) but the need is always there,” said Mandy Wood, chairwoman of the gala’s fundraising committee.
Food bank officials confirmed all funds from the event will go to the facility, specifically to keep the shelves stocked.
“It’s for groceries because we go so low for the summer.
It’s not too bad now but donations have dropped a bit and we are buying a little bit now,” said food bank executive director Mary DeAdder.
It’s also important to say thank you, stressed DeAdder, adding names of the facility’s supporters and volunteers will be displayed at the gala.
The highlight of the night will be handing out plaques to the individual supporter of the year, group and organization supporters of the year, business supporter of the year and volunteer of the year.
The masquerade-themed event will also include music, costumes, door prizes, a balloon blitz, photo corner and 50/50. Masks and costumes are encouraged.
Tickets cost $100 and includes a $50 income tax receipt or
$650 for a table of eight people. Tickets can be purchased at MacQuarries Pharmsave on the Esplanade until May 31.
As for the future, DeAdder said there’s no confirmed date as to when the food bank could rent space from the Colchester Community Workshops. The facility’s current site on Lorne Street has issues that must be dealt with.
“We hope to get a grant to fix the leaking roof … and there is mould. We applied for a grant to get rid of that too,” she said.
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