When I was a young boy in the late 1960s, taking care of our neighbors was the norm.
It was expected that I’d mow Mrs. Berry’s yard and make sure that the 90-year-old widow had what she needed. She’d been born two decades before the turn of the century – yes, before the 20th century. It wasn’t an unusual occurrence; many others had their own Mrs. Berry to take care of.
Fast forward to 2023 and leading a food charity, both the best and the worst of people are on regular display. While we acknowledge that poor behavior exists, each year we take special time to focus on and recognize those from our community who selflessly choose to serve others in our neighborhoods.
It’s our hope you will join us as we recognize, as Mrs. Berry would describe, “fine folks,” some truly special neighbors in Hamilton County.
The 2023 Feeding Team Volunteer recognition dinner is a fun filled evening with a raffle, silent auction, table magic, dinner, and a world class stage magic show. This casual and family friendly event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 25 at the Mill Top in Noblesville. The public is invited to join us. Tickets are required, and tickets and a few sponsorships are still available. Click here for tickets. Email charity@feedingteam.org to sponsor or donate for the silent auction.
Feeding Team is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and like other charities, we run on passion, effort, donations, and compassion. We are on a mission to feed as many hungry neighbors as possible.
Once a year we take time to recognize those in our community who volunteer and sacrifice much so that those who don’t have, can have. This year we are combining the recognition of pantry hosts and volunteers with an opportunity for the community to join us and feed hungry neighbors, too.
This event acknowledges the best of our communities – caring people who donate locations along with neighbors that demonstrate their heart for the needy by taking a night to celebrate with us. The event recognizes Feeding Team volunteers who donate countless efforts and thousands of hours annually to the collection and distribution of food for families who otherwise could go hungry. Pantries are located across Hamilton County. This access gives those in need choices to get a meal when they are without.
You can help in a very simple way. Get some tickets or sponsor a table. Either way, you get to enjoy a wonderful meal, up close magic, a stage show, and all for a great cause.
The entertainment will be provided by Jon Mobley, who recently made his second appearance in Las Vegas on the Penn & Teller: Fool Us television program. Jon is a Hamilton County native and nationally recognized for his skills as a magician and mentalist.
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With over 44,000 food-challenged neighbors in Hamilton County, FeedingTeam.org is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides outdoor 24/7/365 no-questions-asked free food pantries throughout the county.
The pantries exist to meet the food insecurity needs of gap families, neighbors who may not qualify for public assistance and could use a few meals before payday. The pantries serve as many food-challenged neighbors as possible, and our hearts are with those who, like my family, could not always make ends meet.
Thank you for supporting the pantries. We love serving with so many neighbors across Hamilton County. In future columns, we will share more stories about how your generosity served neighbors in times of need. The face of hunger in Hamilton County is not what you may think.
In practical terms, this straightforward way to help neighbors is having real impact on lives, families, and our communities. Thank you. A few meals can change the course of a person’s life. A can of green beans means so much more when you have nothing to feed your kids.
Would you like to get involved? Volunteer opportunities are available. We are evaluating new pantry locations. If you think you have a potential location, please contact us.
Mark and Lisa Hall are the Founders of Feeding Team. They may be reached at lisa@feedingteam.org and mark@feedingteam.org or by calling (317) 832-1123.