In a river town like Columbus, a gala themed “Down on the River” seems just the thing. The Loaves and Fishes Community Soup Kitchen will embrace the concept at their third annual Festival of Flavors fundraiser set for Friday, June 3 at Lion Hills Center and Golf Course. The event will benefit continued ecumenical efforts to feed the hungry of Columbus and Lowndes County.
Ann Sparkman and Cindy Wiygul co-chair the gala that begins at 6 p.m. and features a variety of appetizers and beverages, live music by Honeyboy and Boots of Nashville and formerly Starkville, a silent auction and, added this year, a raffle drawing.
“The raffle is new, and it’s a great way to support the fundraiser even if you’re not able to come,” said Wiygul. “You don’t have to be present to win.” Raffle prizes are an iPad Air tablet computer, a Kamado ceramic grill and an LIT 52-quart cooler.
Tickets to the gala are $40, available now at Military Hardware in Columbus and numerous area churches. Raffle tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Military Hardware, Citizens Bank, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Helping Hands, or call 662-549-8607.
Expanding to meet needs
Loaves and Fishes has experienced steady expansion since its inception in 2008. In 2015, more than 25,000 meals were served, according to Wiygul. The volunteer ministry serves midday meals at its facility at 322 22nd St. N. An atmosphere of Christian love is extended with dignity and respect to the unemployed, homeless or anyone in need of a helping hand.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, 21 million people lived in working-poor families. About 49 million Americans lived in food insecure households, 16.2 million of them children.
A common misconception is that if someone is hungry, they don’t have a job and are living on the streets. Most do not understand that anyone can experience the silent epidemic of hunger, explains the Loaves and Fishes brochure.
L&F news
Currently in Columbus, volunteers representing churches of all denominations, local banks, businesses and clubs sign up to provide meals and serve on designated dates. Many others donate monetarily or contribute packages of Bear Creek Country Kitchen Soup mixes or large cans of vegetables that can be added to the soups.
Sparkman recently announced that the ministry’s meal service will expand to Monday-through-Friday. A new sack lunch program begins soon to cover weekends or normal serving days that fall on holidays, such as Memorial Day May 30. Loaves and Fishes also hopes to establish a pantry for those who need basic sustenance to take home.
The June 3 fundraiser will help generate annual operating funds.
“The gala will provide funds for rent, utilities and supplies,” said Sparkman. About the Down on the River theme, she added, “Ralph Null and JoAnn Kitchens and their committee are working on wonderful decorations to fit the theme.”
Organizers encourage the community to be part of the Loaves and Fishes mission by supporting the gala, becoming a volunteer or making a contribution.
Tax deductible donations may be mailed to Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 441, Columbus, MS 39703.
Lion Hills Center is located at 2331 Military Road in Columbus.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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