A group of 250 guests at Twin Lakes Food Bank’s annual gala, hosted last Friday at Lakeside Church, raised more than $237,000 to help feed the hungry throughout the holiday season and into the new year.
“Inflation has hit our guests hard and the need for nutritious food has increased,” executive director Lisa Tuter said to Folsom Times, noting that more than 3,000 people are served every month, with individual days when the food bank serves 75 or more families. “The growing population, including local families occupying a larger number of state-mandated workforce housing units, increases the need, which makes the support we receive from the community even more heartwarming.”
Tuter said guests at the gala are there to celebrate the successes of the previous year and give generously so needs can continue to be met. During dinner, guests at each table filled an envelope with bids that allowed the most generous to have first dibs on a variety of desserts provided by California State Assemblyman Josh Hoover.
The live auction began with auctioneer Freddie Silveria taking bids for a charcuterie board of fruits and vegetables grown in the food bank’s sustainable garden. Jimmy Ferris of Folsom topped the bidding at $1,300 for the fresh epicurean delights prepared by garden manager Michelle Kwek, and presented by her and guest engagement coordinator Lindsay Olson.
“That started off a night of generosity in a grand way,” said auctioneer Silveria, whose fast-paced patter and energetic antics kept the guests captivated.
That was followed by “fund-a-need” bidding in which attendees raise their bid paddles not to compete for a prize, but simply to give to fill the shelves with groceries for hungry people in the community.
“A $5,000 contribution will feed five families of four for the year; $1,000 will feed a family of four for the year; $500 will feed a family of two for the year and $250 will feed a single person for a year,” said Nicole Hoover, the coordinator of the event. “The fund-a-need contributions alone raised more than $95,000.”
“Every dollar raised helps us stand against hunger and stand with the people we serve,” said Tuter as she addressed the audience. “When those of us with advantages invest our resources in those who have fewer advantages, our community prospers.”
Ruby’s Books on Sutter Street in Folsom was the presenting sponsor of the event that included live auction items such as chef dinners for eight at Bacchus House; Sacramento Kings tickets; vacations in Amador, Bodega Bay, Nashville, and Mexico; a ladies night out for 10 at MTT Collective; and a VIP experience at the Folsom Pro Rodeo.
Event coordinator Hoover said production of the event required two days of set-up, two days of tear-down and the work of nearly 60 volunteers, including a team from the National Charity League.
Folsom’s Twin Lakes Food Bank provides the groceries for almost two millions meals every year, regularly serving 3,000 people, including 1,000 or more children, each month. To donate, volunteer or learn more about the food bank, call 916-985-6232 or log on to the website at TwinLakesFoodBank.org. © Folsom Times, All Town Media LLC
