Meal, silent auction to help food pantry - Danville Commercial News

Meal, silent auction to help food pantry - Danville Commercial News

DANVILLE — For the third year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will offer a crowd favorite — roast beef and noodles — as a fundraiser to help its food pantry.

The three-pronged Holy Family Food Pantry Gathering — featuring a meal, silent auction and raffle — will be 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 310 Bryan Ave.

The menu includes roast beef and noodles, potatoes, green beans, bread, dessert and drink. A silent auction, 50/50 drawing and music will be offered, as well. Tickets for the drawing are $1 each or six for $5.

Also, people who bring at least five eligible food items (see list in accompanying box) will be entered into drawings for a Fitbit Flex and $100 in cash. Without food donations, entry into the drawing is $10.

“This is our big moneymaker,” said Russell Smith, president of the St. Vincent board. “It’s a good cause to feed the hungry.”

Nancy O’Kane, chairman of the food pantry, said the event attracted about 300 people last year.

The pantry has some faithful donors, she said, but sometimes the need exceeds the donations. Then, the volunteers need to purchase food.

Smith agreed, saying, “We depend on people to bring in food. Occasionally, we run short and have to use money.”

The pantry serves about 225 people a month; it’s located at Holy Family Catholic Church, 444 E. Main St.

Smith noted the silent auction items and prizes were donated.

The silent auction will feature about 40 baskets offering a variety of items, such as: a plane ride for two; a two-hour tour of Danville Fire Station No. 3; caramels made by Mark Croy; a refinished coffee table; skates from Illini Skateland; a hand-painted Nativity scene; a wine basket; children’s crafts basket; Keurig coffee basket; three or four Christmas baskets; and gift certificates from restaurants and businesses.

However, the highlight of the evening may be the meal, especially for those who remember Holy Family’s roast beef dinners from the past. It will be prepared by Mike O’Kane and Mark Croy, who learned from the late Mae Duncheon, longtime cook at Holy Family School.

Holy Family had served the meal for years in the school gymnasium, until the school closed a few years ago.

As for the volunteers putting on the event, Smith said, “I’m really proud of the people who are working (on this). It’s for a worthwhile cause.”

About the society

The local Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which is affiliated with the national organization, is made up of volunteers dedicated to serving those less fortunate in the community.

“Our whole organization is to help people,” Smith said.

There are 15 core members who attend the meetings, and another 15-20 people who help out, he said.

Through the support of parishioners from Holy Family and St. Paul’s Catholic Church, as well as other donors, the organization helps people with services such as transportation, medical bills and utilities. Donations come from both churches, as well as rummage sales and bake sales.

The group also provides holiday food baskets and makes nursing home visits.

People with bigger needs are referred to other agencies, such as Love INC and the United Way.

The board meets at 6 p.m. the second Thursday of each month in the lower level of Holy Family Church.

The food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants need to fill out a form, provide ID for everyone in the household, and are eligible once every 30 days.

Eligible foods

Spaghetti sauce, chicken or tuna helper, boxed instant mashed potatoes, small canned ham, jar of peanut butter, large cans of vegetable or chicken noodle soup, boxed spaghetti, canned pasta, canned corn or carrots, six-pack single-serve fruit or pudding, boxed au gratin potatoes, Spam or Treet, box of saltine crackers, canned pork and beans, canned fruit cocktail, boxed individual oatmeal, canned green beans or peas, canned pears or peaches, jars of jelly, pancake syrup and canned chicken, beef or tuna.

FYI

Tickets are $10 for adults; $6 for ages 6-10; and free for ages 5 and younger.

There will be a silent auction and music, as well as a chance to win a Fitbit Flex and $100 in cash.