PALM COAST, Fla, (March 16, 2024) – Kicking off the third year of the Million Dollar Food-a-Thon, this year’s organizers wanted to give the fundraiser a jump start with a cash infusion from the community.
Hosting the inaugural ‘Food Truck Palooza’, Saturday’s event brought together a trifecta of entertainment – food, cars and music, drawing a steady stream of attendees throughout the day to the campus of Flagler Palm Coast High School.
A collaboration between Flagler Broadcasting’s David Ayres, Pastor Charles Silano, Bob Snyder, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin and other business leaders across the community, the food-a-thon has helped deliver much needed funding to the Grace Community Food Pantry, Flagler County’s largest and most active private supplier of nutrition for families in need.
“This is the kickoff Flagler County Million Dollar Food-a-Thon, and it’s to raise money to help our local food bank feeding 5,500 a month,” said Ayres. “What we’re doing here today is a $5 donation buys $25 worth of food on a 5-to-1 buying ratio.”
Money saved by families visiting the food pantry can be put toward essentials such as car payments and rent, helping ensure the stability of local families.
“It’s more than just helping families. It’s a win-win for Flagler County,” he said.
Challenging attendees to dig deep in their giving, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin challenged Ayres to empty his wallet into the collection box as he emptied his.
“Over the last three years we have raised well over a million dollars in value for food to fill those empty bellies that we have here in Palm Coast and Flagler County,” said Alfin.
“The struggling family can now save that money that they would spend at the grocery store and use that for transportation to a job, for clothing to work, or to clothe your children and feed your children so they’ll excel in school. That’s the way you make a better community.”
Representing the Grace Community Food Pantry, Dottie Colletta said the fundraiser will help feed the thousands they support each weekend and more.
“I really can’t put it in words. When you’re seeing 1,500 people come through a line on a weekend and they’re in need of food, a basic need, this event is just wonderful,” shared Colletta.
Bang for the Buck
The $5 parking donation for the food bank provided access to a variety of entertainment. Families took advantage of opportunity to bring the kids out for free bounce houses, balloon art and music while enjoying a meal.
In addition to food truck offerings spanning every corner of the globe from Bunnell’s Cool Beans Barbecue to Hungarian pastries made fresh by Magdalena Chimney Cakes, and Indian street food from Mumbai Delight, visitors took in their fair share of eye candy with the classic cars.
Car club members are known for their support of philanthropic causes and were happy to showcase their pristine vehicles for a good cause.
“I like the idea that the money that’s collected is for Grace (Food) Pantry. It’s for a good cause. We have a lot of people in need in Palm Coast, so I think that’s one of the reasons I came,” said Cathy, displaying her 1977 Corvette.
A Corvette aficionado himself, Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance said the fundraiser represented the culture of what Flagler County is all about.
“It’s just what Flagler is. We help each other when needed,” said Dance. “It’s part of being a great community. That’s why everybody loves to be here and a resident of Flagler County.”
PalmCoastNow contributed to this report.
