In Benton and Franklin counties, 24,000 people use food banks every month and 47 percent of them are children, according to Kathye Kilgore, director for 2nd Harvest Tri-Cities.
Although not a traditional food bank, 2nd Harvest Tri-Cities functions as the distribution warehouse to the food bank, Kilgore said. The nonprofit is part of America’s 2nd Harvest, the nation’s food bank network.
“If you donate $1 to 2nd Harvest. we turn it into $10 worth of food and that’s because of corporate partnership,” Kilgore said.
Food donations that arrive at the 2nd Harvest Tri-Cities warehouse are distributed through a network of agencies that arc all non-profit food banks, food-feeding centers and churches. Notes, stocks, and other assets are appreciated, as well.
“It’s literally the food bank to the food banks,” she said.
2nd Harvest Tri-Cities puts together multiple events throughout the year to raise donations. The non-profit’s signature event, Taking a Bite Out of Hunger, is scheduled to take place March 21 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick.
“We try to incorporate the local restaurants, wineries and microbreweries so that it’s local people addressing a local need,” she said.
Second Harvest Tri-Cities is still looking for sponsors and people who are interested in donating auction items. This article authored by Bethany Joy Riddle, Tri-Cities Journal of Business.
Last year’s event raised $31.000 and Kilgore hopes to see a 10 percent increase this year.
The event will feature foods from 25 local restaurants and 14 wineries at a cost of $40 per person to attend. There will be live and silent auctions, prizes and musical entertainment from a group called Highland Drive.
“They play everything from 60’s rock ‘n’ roll to contemporary music and they’re part of the choir at the United Methodist church here in town ,” Kilgore said.
The evening will begin with a donor recognition reception where Miss Tri-Cities will assist with handing out the awards. The by-invite-only event starts at 6:00 p.m. and will include sponsors and donors, as well as committee members, people who support 2nd Harvest and people who are on the non-profit’s mailing list, Kilgore said.
With the Highland Band playing intermittently throughout the evening and a program that includes continual activity, there won’t be a quiet moment through the night, Kilgore said.
In addition to the food and auctions, guests will be escorted to their tables by Columbia River Young Marines and
in it when people pick up their auction items at the end of the evening, they will be escorted out to their cars as well, Kilgore said.
“It’s an extra little touch,” she said.
All the money raised from Taking a Bite Out of Hunger will directly support Benton and Franklin county agencies. As a local event, local wineries and restaurants such as Fidelitas and Fiesta Mexican Restaurant will be among those donating food and drink, Kilgore said.
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