The many volunteers who work week in and week out to ensure the hungry of Lowndes County receive basic sustenance remind the community that tickets are still available for the Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen’s major annual fundraiser.
The Festival of Flavors Friday evening at Lion Hills Center and Golf Course in Columbus will feature an extensive silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, beverages and live music. While entertainment is on the agenda, the mission at hand is an important one — to provide almost 20,000 meals this year to those who don’t get enough to eat.
“The need is great,” said the Rev. Jonathan Spiegel, pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Columbus and a Loaves & Fishes board member.
Proceeds will generate operating funds for costs such as rent and kitchen supplies for the ecumenical nonprofit ministry that currently serves meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday — and one Thursday per month — from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its facility at 223 22nd St. N.
Plans are to soon be able to open every Thursday.
“Our eventual goal is to be serving every day, Monday through Friday,” said Ann Sparkman, board vice president and chair of the fundraiser.
Spiegel urged community members to not only support the gala but to also consider volunteering with the kitchen.
Festival of Flavor tickets are $40 ($25 tax deductible) at Military Hardware, 1002 13th St. N. The event begins at 6 p.m.
For more information, call 662-549-8607.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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