The Franklin County Fair Board is looking to show the community that the fair offers “something for everybody.”
That is why they are hosting a Trike-A-Thon Saturday, Nov. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. for children to help support the Union Food Pantry.
The event will be for is for prekindergarten and kindergarten aged children, and is at the Jaycees Fairgrounds, Union.
“The Fair Board has been trying to reach out to the community for support and more participation the past several years,” said Fair Board member Abby Nolting. “This dual fundraiser is to show that the board isn’t just here for the Fair itself, but truly is built around giving back to the community.”
This fundraiser is to help the Fair, but is geared to raise awareness about the shortage the Union Food Pantry is experiencing.
“We chose the food pantry because it is celebrating their 25-year anniversary this year and with the event being close to the holidays we knew we could contribute to local families in need,” Nolting added.
Participants, and their parents and guardians, are asked to get sponsors for the event and the children will ride trikes or riding toys around a course with pit stops representing local businesses.
For $20 participants will get a medal, drink, snack and be able to ride the course as many times as they like. If the participant raises $50, he or she will get a T-shirt.
The top participant to collect will be awarded a 2017 Franklin County Fair season pass family pack.
“Kindergarten and preschool age were chosen to try and show that Fair Board really does have interest in having something for everybody,” Nolting said. “We have had thoughts of having a kickball tournament, possibly for middle school ages, in the spring.”
There are about 15 children signed up to participate.
“We did order just a few extra medals and shirts but it will be first come first served,” Nolting said.
The Fair Board encourages anyone in the community to help by donating to a child participating, or stop in and donate nonperishable food, hygiene products, or cash for the Union Food Pantry, while checking out the event.
Anyone donating will be entered into a drawing for a 2017 Franklin County Fair season pass family pack.
The event sponsors are Bolzenius Tire, Septic Services, Fricks Market, Trophies, T’s and More, Sturm’s Towing and Purschke Oil and Tire Company.
About the Pantry
The Union Food Pantry opened in June 1991. Today, the pantry serves 20 to 25 families each day it is open, and upward of 160 families per month.
The pantry is a Christian outreach organization that serves the Union School District.
Families needing assistance are invited to call the food pantry at 636-584-7050. Food can be dropped off between 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, or by appointment. Call Jan Brennan at 636-584-1086 to schedule an appointment.
There are food pantry donation boxes at many local churches. Contributions of grocery items also can be taken directly to the food pantry. The Union Food Pantry shares with other area food pantries and receives support from the United Way.
The facilities are donated, and it uses only unpaid volunteers. Monetary donations are used to purchase perishable items, such as meat.
Nearly 100 percent of donations go directly to serve those in need.
