Folsom community raises 220K for Twin Lakes Food Bank at annual gala

Reminded of the increasing need in the community, revelers at Twin Lakes Food Bank's annual gala, hosted last Friday at Lakeside Church, surpassed previous fundraising records by giving more than $220,000 to help feed the hungry throughout the holiday season and into the new year."With inflation and job losses plaguing the economy, the number of people being served by the food bank has grown to an all-time high," said executive director Lisa Tuter. "We saw a 30 percent increase in the number of clients from July to September."Tuter said guests at the gala are there to celebrate the successes of the previous year and give generously so needs can continue to be met. As 259 guests finished meals of steak, chicken and pasta, energetic auctioneer Freddie Silveria opened the live auction by taking bids for a glass of chilled tap water. The bidding escalated quickly, culminating in an $1,100 contribution from Jimmy Ferris of Folsom."Somebody in the back decided they wanted to outbid me," said Ferris. "We went back and forth in a bidding war and got it all the way up to $1,100. That started off a night of generosity in a grand way."That was followed by the fast-paced "fund-a-need" bidding in which attendees raise their bid paddles not to compete for a prize, but simply to give to fill the shelves with groceries for hungry people in the community."A $5,000 contribution will feed five families of four for the year; $1,000 will feed a family of four for the year; $500 will feed a family of two for the year and $250 will feed a single person for a year," said Celeste Petersen, online auction and registration coordinator. The fund-a-need contributions alone raised more than $100,000."Every dollar raised helps us stand against hunger and stand with the people we serve," said Tuter as she addressed the audience. "When those of us with advantages invest our resources in those who have fewer advantages, our community prospers."Live auction items included dinners for eight under the gazebo at the Twin Lakes Food Bank garden, a jewelry shopping spree, vacation packages, an afternoon of pickleball and a box a month of organic produce from the garden. Stacy Gould, owner of Ruby's Books on Sutter Street, was the presenting sponsor of the event and the winning bidder on a monthly box of produce.Event coordinator Nicole Hoover said production of the event required two days of set-up, two days of tear-down and the work of nearly 60 volunteers, including a team from the National Charity League. In addition to the dinners, Hoover said 640 chocolates from Snook's Chocolate Factory and 320 cupcakes were served for dessert.Folsom's Twin Lakes Food Bank provides the groceries for more than 1.5 million meals every year, regularly serving 2,000 people, including 800 or more children, each month. To donate, volunteer or learn more about the food bank, call 916-985-6232 or log on to the website at TwinLakesFoodBank.org.