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The Panther Foundation is taking their annual fundraising event online to help fight childhood hunger in our community. Mark your calendars for a virtual giving event February 27, 2021 and get involved in Panther Challenges leading up to the event that promise fun for the whole family.
Since March when the pandemic struck our community, the demand for Weekend Food Packs – providing food for students over weekends and breaks – has increased 256 percent. Weekend Packs are supplied through the school district’s emergency food shelf, the Panther Pantry. Now, the pantry needs help to keep these critical efforts going.
““The Panther Pantry and Weekend Food Pack program have helped to keep children fed since the program’s beginning in 2013,” says Colleen Pederson, Panther Foundation Executive Director. “After many months of the pandemic, the pantry’s resources are diminished and in need of our entire community’s support. We’re asking for families, friends and neighbors to join us in fighting childhood hunger in our community to keep our kids learning.”
The Panther Foundation, in place of its annual gala, is producing a unique, first-of-its kind Panther experience on Saturday, February 27, 2021, premiering at 7 p.m. The event will be virtual, enjoyed from home, is FREE and 100% of the proceeds will support the Panther Pantry and Weekend Food Pack program.
“This year requires something different,” says Marla Sciara, Panther Foundation Chairperson. “While we may miss the magic of our annual gala evening, we’re excited that this year’s event engages the whole family without any barriers to participating. The needs are greater than ever, and we are uniting as a Panther Community to celebrate and support these critical programs.”
Support the effort, get involved
Panthers for a Purpose is six weeks of purposeful fun leading up to the virtual giving event on Saturday, February 27, 2021. There are several ways to get involved starting today:
- Participate in three challenges between now and February 27. Challenge #1 is underway now through the month of January and asks community members to collect “Pennies for Packs,” monetary donations for Weekend Food Packs or food to contribute to the Community Food Drive. On January 26-27, food and donations will be collected at each school and at the District Services Center.
- Purchase a swag bag today and get pre-registered for the virtual giving event. There will be many items and experiences auctioned during the lead-up to and during the virtual giving event. Register your information now to make sure you are ready to participate when bidding opens.
- Become a sponsor of Panthers for a Purpose. The foundation can’t operate without the support and involvement of community sponsors. Sponsorship provides visibility for businesses and organizations and much-needed financial support for a worthy cause.
- Donate auction items. The Panther Foundation auction is always full of items to appeal to every taste and interest. This year’s auction will culminate at the virtual giving event and there will be opportunities to bid and win beginning in the days leading up to the event. Donations are welcome.
Find information about all of these activities on the Panthers for a Purpose event page.
About the Panther Pantry and Weekend Pack program
The school breakfast and lunch program benefits many children when school is in session. But when school is not in session, over weekends and long breaks, there are children in our community without consistent access to nutritious meals.
The Panther Foundation started the Weekend Food Pack program in 2013 to help keep children fed and make sure hunger does not impede their learning. Since then, they have distributed more than 26,000 Weekend Food Packs - half of that since March of 2020 - to students across the district. The packs are especially important when a crisis, like COVID-19, strikes.
A Weekend Food Pack costs just $2. Students receive at least two breakfast items, two "heat and eat" meals, fruit and snacks.
“Our goal is to raise the funds necessary to meet the need now and in the future,” says Marla. “This Panthers for a Purpose effort that culminates in the virtual giving event is a special opportunity for our community to come together to keep children in our community fed, ready to learn and simply free to be kids.”