Soup event a big boost for food bank
Donations of food and expressions of gratitude have been in abundance around the valley this year.
The Flathead Food Bank is singing about the success of its 10th annual Soup Supper last month. The annual event drew a crowd of people who, in turn, drew generously from their wallets, generating nearly $6,000 for the bank.
Local potters put their hands together to throw soup bowls. Local restaurants pitched in by cooking up more support with their own delicious soups, fresh-baked breads and delectable desserts that were served at the supper, along with a large bevy of local businesses who provided everything from chaffing dishes to clam chowder. And year after year Northridge Lutheran Church has donated the venue.
Flathead Food Bank Director Robin Layton estimates that the money raised at this year's soup supper will cover the pantry's operating expenses for about one month. Food is valued at $1.50 per pound, adds Layton. If you do the math, that $6,000 will provide 4,000 pounds of food for the community.
From Layton and office manager Lori Botkin: "To all those who have volunteered their time, products or services to make this event such a success, we thank you so very much."
Evergreen Cub Master Julie Reid reported recently that her Scouts had tipped the scales at the Evergreen Food Bank with the 982 pounds of food they collected in December.
In two hours on a Saturday about 20 kids, including the Scouts and their siblings, scoured the Evergreen community, going door to door to ask for donations. Residents opened their pantries to them, providing nonperishable foods as well as frozen turkeys.
The boys have been gathering food for the pantry for the last six years, and Reid thanks the parents and the community for all their help and generosity.
If you want to bolster the shelves of the Evergreen Pantry, bring your donation to the Calvary Lutheran Church at the corner of U.S. 2 East and West Evergreen Drive on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Or drop it by the Flathead Food Bank, 105 Sixth Ave. W. in Kalispell. The staff will make sure it's delivered to the Evergreen pantry for you.
Scout Pack 4948 stays busy year-round. Over the holidays, Scouts also raised $700 for the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department by selling Christmas wreaths.
Earth Day is Friday, April 22, and the Scouts will be busy that weekend, too, sprucing up Woodland Park and giving the community yet another chance to thank a Scout.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County drew more than 300 supporters to the Select Dinner and Auction March 5 at the WestCoast Hotel.
Auction items by area artists and merchants abounded, giving guests a chance to raise $54,000 in a single event for the organization. The event also featured entertainment by pianist Erik Dye and a lavish dinner catered by the WestCoast.
Big Brothers will use the money to screen, match and support more matches between children and volunteers in the coming year.