Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry gearing up for "Darling's Drives Out Hunger"

ELLSWORTH - A local food pantry in Ellsworth has recently raised thousands of dollars to support their communities and are gearing up for their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Loaves & Fishes of Ellsworth Food Pantry serve thousands of people facing food insecurity and rely on municipal and individual donations.

In their third annual "Fill the Grand" fundraiser their goal was to fill the 400 seats in the Grand in downtown Ellsworth and raise ten thousand dollars. So far they have raised eight thousand and are still accepting donations. They hope to raise another two grand by the end of this week to meet their goal.

"The community has surrounded the food pantry and the community comes out and shelves us money all the time and helps us out with whatever we can do to help the neighbors that are in need," said Dan Wilkey, member of the Board of Trustees.

The pantry is also currently gearing up for their biggest fundraising event on of the year in partnership with Darlings Chevrolet. The second annual "Darling's Drives Out Hunger" event will feature live and silent auction items, live music and much more.

"We are working hard to fill the pantry with food for our local neighbors who are in need and also our long term goal is to lessen that need and help people by becoming a community resources hub in the future," said Loaves and Fishes Board Secretary, Beth Cole.

With that fundraiser, Loaves & Fishes hope to raise at least thirty thousand. They're hoping the celebration will help to raise operating funds, build and nourish community partnerships and spread the word about their mission.

It kicks off at the Darlings showroom in Ellsworth on October third and runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $8, to learn more visit their website.