Folsom food bank gala raises key funds to feed the hungry

At a time when many food banks are facing uncertainty, Folsom's Twin Lakes Food Bank is expressing gratitude over its recent event which raised $257,000 to help feed the hungry in the community. Twin Lakes Food Bank hosted its annual Starry Night Gala on Nov. 8, which is not only a pivotal fundraiser for the organization but also a festive event which brings together a wide range of people from the community who together raise critical funds to sustain the food bank's programs throughout the year. The sold-out event hosted about 300 people, including community dignitaries such as Folsom Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino, Vice Mayor Justin Raithel, City Councilmember Barbara Leary and Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez. The evening featured heartfelt stories about the role Twin Banks plays in the community and considerable excitement and glee during an auction hosted by Freddie Silveria and Ian Cornell, and then a music performance throughout the evening by Groove Therapy. Speaking to guests before the dinner, Executive Director Lisa Tuter told the crowd how important this fundraiser is for the organization. "I am inspired that in a time of deep division and distrust in our world, there are nearly 300 people in this room with diverse cultural, political and religious experiences standing united with the shared belief that access to nutritious food is not a privilege, it's a right for all humanity," said Tuter. "The funds raised tonight will help us meet the growing need we're seeing in some very uncertain times." The live auction was reportedly especially spirited, with more than $49,000 raised in what Communications Coordinator Rachel Hill described as "a flurry of friendly competition." Hill described another especially festive moment of spirited competition during the auction. "Bidding went absolutely wild when eight exclusive cocktails, crafted fresh with fruit and herbs straight from the food bank's garden, hit the auction block. Guests couldn't resist, and those creative concoctions made an additional $3,000," said Hill. There was also the Lucky Card Draw, which brought in $96,000, and the Dessert Dash, which involved guests sprinting to claim their favorite sweets, which raised an additional $22,000. Twin Lakes Food Bank Board President Ron Perry expressed gratitude to the crowd for their generosity. "Our investment tonight has an immediate return. Guests will receive nourishing food this very next week to meet their immediate needs in these uncertain times," said Perry. "On top of that, they will be given food in a manner that gives them dignity and hope." Organizers said the generosity from the community provides a shining light of hope to those in the community who are struggling. To learn more about the food bank or make a donation, visit www.twinlakesfoodbank.org.