Another record for Hometown Sampler
Turn the Page closes out the Hometown Sampler Sunday afternoon in Owatonna. The musicians include Colin Whalen, Vianna Bohlen, Paul Kunkel, Kirsten Endrud, Jessica Dant, Fred Bettner and John Lestock. They were one of four bands that entertained throughout the weekend.
It wasn’t by much, but last weekend’s Hometown Sampler hit a new record for hunger.
The fundraiser profiting Community Pathways of Steele County reached $33,780, which was $73 over the previous year, according to Dom Korbel, director of the nonprofit organization. The event, which was held Friday through Sunday, kicks off March FoodShare Month, a statewide effort to raise funds and build awareness for local food shelves.
Korbel admits he’s a little nervous at the start of the fundraiser. “As the weekend starts, it’s stressful for the first 15 minutes to see if anyone will show up,” he said, adding he’s relieved once the auditorium at the Little Theatre starts filling up.
In the end, he estimated that about 800 people attended the fundraiser, which in its 31st year featured four bands with local ties: The Gogs, Bad Tangerines, Mile 5 and Turn the Page. In addition to donating their music, the groups collectively gave $3,455 to the fundraiser, he said.
He credits the success of the weekend to a special committee that organizes the entire event.
While the crowds are still down from pre-COVID years, Korbel is touched by the generosity of community members. “As crowds have gotten smaller, their philanthropy has gone up,” he said. “Their generosity is incredible. It just doesn’t disappoint.”
Funds raised from the Hometown Sampler will go directly to the food budget for Community Pathways. “Every penny I raise goes to our food budget,” Korbel said, noting the $33,000 will cover exactly one full month.
Currently, Community Pathways is serving 1,100 families per week, down slightly from the high of 1,200 late last year. By comparison, the food shelf served 850 families a year ago.
Korbel is awaiting to see what will happen with the federal SNAP program to see how the local food shelf may be impacted. Proposed harmful policy changes would cut food assistance across the U.S., making it harder for millions to buy the groceries they need. If that happens, Korbel expects a large increase in the use of the food shelf. He anticipates knowing more within 60-90 days.
This year’s goal for FoodShare month is $200,000 in cash donations and 100,000 pounds of food.