Annual 'Fill the Bowls' food pantry fundraiser returns Oct. 16

Twenty-five local Fox Valley restaurants are gathering to host a fundraiser for Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Guests of all ages are welcome from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gaslight Manor Banquets, 2485 Church Road in Aurora.

Tickets are on sale online at mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org/fill-the-bowls-fundraiser/.

Guests will be treated to morning mimosas, a wide array of soups, savory bites and sweet samplings from local chefs.

Live music, raffles, a draw down and annual Spirit Awards will take place throughout the meal.

A donation of $40 is requested for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12, and children under 5 may eat for free.

All proceeds will support food pantry programs, ensuring all area households have access to nutritious food this winter season.

Major support for "Fill the Bowls" is provided by Gripple Inc., Dolan & Murphy Team of Caton Commercial, AC's Pub, Aurora Sunrise Rotary and Spartan Ale House.

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry was formed in 1957 by its namesake Marie Wilkinson, a lifetime social and civil rights activist who worked to relieve poverty, hunger, homelessness, joblessness, and injustice. Special programs focus on nourishing students, seniors, veterans and persons challenged with disabilities, helping to raise the quality of life for the community as a whole. For more information on Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, visit www.mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org.