Pathways Palooza
Community Pathways supporters packed the Steele County Fairgrounds Beer Tent last year for Pathways Palooza. The group’s second largest fundraiser has a goal this year of raising $30,000 to cover expenses for the second half of the year. Staff photo by Jonny Clubb
It took just two weeks for millions in federal cuts that hit Minnesota food banks in April to affect Community Pathways of Steele County.
With six months left to go in the year, the nonprofit’s annual summer fundraiser is poised to help fill that gap.
Executive Director Dom Korbel said because of federal cuts, regional suppliers have less food to distribute–and it’s getting more expensive.
The situation may become even more dire for families if the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” now in the U.S. Senate, is signed into law.
Last Thursday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and 22 other governors signed a letter urging Congress to remove new cost-sharing requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Changes proposed by Republicans would shift millions in program costs to states, which governors said would force program reductions–putting even more pressure on food shelves.
To complete the trifecta, use of the county-wide food shelf is already up 10-15%, continuing a years-long pattern of growth.
“It’s so much more difficult to access food, because food banks are having difficulty getting food,” Korbel said.
Enter Pathways Palooza, a party held 4-8 p.m. on July 11 at the Steele County fairgrounds Beer Garden. The fourth annual event will follow much the same format in years past, with a few new twists, Korbel said.
2U Entertainment joins the fun this year with its mobile gaming theater. The goal there, Korbel said, is to make the event more “kid friendly,” whether families stop by for an hour or the entire evening.
Wine will be part of the evening with Grapeful Wine Bar joining Mineral Springs Brewing Company, which is bringing back the signature Pathways Pilsner created by Terrence Flynn of Foremost Brewing, which closed earlier this year.
There will be also be a new band: No Coast, a cover band with four local musicians who “have been playing together for quite some time.”
“They’re just four guys who love to play music, and they’re thrilled to join us,” Korbel said, adding the group will also play Owatonna’s Pride in the Park celebration on July 12. “The music’s going to be awesome.”
Food and beverages will be available for purchase, but as in the past, admission is–by design–a free will contribution.
“We want this accessible for everybody who wants to support us,” Korbel said. “Even if they just show up and enjoy some music, we’re all for that. It’s all part of how we set up this event.”
There will be plenty of opportunities to contribute financially, by buying raffle tickets or bidding in an online silent auction.
Korbel said winners need not be present, and everyone can bid online for a range of items. In the past, there have been family, beach, lottery and wine theme baskets, as well as fun experiences up for grabs. Baskets are donated from all around the community and almost entirely local.
Bidding online means folks can support the cause if they can’t attend and can keep bidding after they leave, Korbel said.
You can purchase raffle tickets during this week’s Downtown Thursday, held 5-9 p.m. along North Cedar and in Central Park. To learn more about Pathways Palooza, visit communitypathwayssc.org or follow Community Pathways on Facebook.
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Pathways Palooza
What: Fundraiser for Community Pathways
Where: Steele County Fairgrounds Beer Garden
When: July 11, 4-8 p.m.
Admission: Free will donation