BUNNELL, Fla. – It was after adding up the totals over three years that David Ayres, president and general manager of Flagler Broadcasting, realized the more than $265,000 raised surpassed the million dollar mark for food. In a calculation that allows every dollar to purchase $5 worth of food, the effort has been a win-win for those who give and those who receive.
“We’re legitimately a million dollar food-a-thon because we have with this year, bought over a million dollars’ worth of food thanks to all these things,” said Ayres.
In a smaller community like Flagler County, it’s the grassroots donors who make a difference. In spite of inflationary challenges, donors still came out in force to help support the 3rd Annual Million Dollar Food-A-Thon to benefit the Grace Community Food Pantry.
“The first year we did it we had some big corporate donors of $10,000, and it takes a lot of $200 donations to make up for one $10,000 donation,” explained Ayres.
“The amount of people from the grassroots level giving is increasing. Even people that gave last year that were giving, were giving half as much this year. Businesses that gave a thousand last year were giving $500. Like Sheriff Staly said, even the drug business was down because last year he gave $5,000 and this year he gave $2,800.”
A team of ladies led by Dottie Colletta, managed call-in and online donations and pledges, while Pastor Charles Silano, founder of the Grace Community Food Pantry, shared real-world experiences alongside co-hosts David Ayres and Kirk Keller, on-air.
Providing a boost, corporate donors showed their support for neighbors across the community with donations ranging anywhere between $5,000 and $100. A final hour giving frenzy from the homebuilders was a blessing as Flagler Home Builders Association Executive Officer Annamaria Long dialed for dollars, while sharing her own personal story.
Flagler County Commissioner David Sullivan dropped off his donation early in the day, challenging other elected officials and candidates to match or exceed his $500 check, a challenge others like Flagler Beach Mayor Patti King ($1,000), Florida Senator Travis Hutson ($1000), Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance ($500), and Palm Coast City Councilman Nick Klufas ($250) met.
All in all, it was a tremendous day for the food pantry, currently feeding 6,000 families a month.
“If we can raise $60, $70,000 in one day, that’s good,” said Ayres.