Aurora pantry's 'Christmas in July' event to raise support for holiday meals
A "Christmas in July" themed fundraiser to benefit Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry's annual Holiday Meal program will be held on Saturday, July 29, at O'Malley's Pub & Eatery in Aurora.
It will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at the restaurant, 701 Hill Ave.
Guests will enjoy appetizers, a Christmas photo booth, raffle prizes and more.
Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at mwfoodpantry.org/christmas.
Guests are invited to wear an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" or dress as their favorite Christmas movie character to win prizes.
Event organizers are grateful to Konen Insurance, RC Wegman Construction and Old Second National Bank for their generous sponsorships.
Holiday meal support is requested for 2023, as the numbers of local households in need of supplemental nutrition are rising in lockstep with inflated costs of goods nationwide.
Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry volunteers provided 2.7 million meals to nearly 87,000 guests in 2023.
This year, the rate of first-time visitors registering at each of the food pantry's 3 weekly service locations has been steadily increasing every week.
Since 1957, Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry volunteers have provided weekly nutrition support for Aurora area households in need. Special programs are available for students, veterans, seniors and persons challenged with disabilities.
Free cooking classes in Marie's Garden are open to the public.
On Saturday, Aug. 5, come cook brunch in Marie's Garden with an "Omelette Brunch Class" with Chef Shelley Booth from 10 a.m. to noon. It will feature eggs from Marie's hens and pick your own garden fresh ingredients. She will demonstrate how to cook an omelette with fresh herbs and veggies. Guests follow along at their own cooking stations.
On Saturday, Sept. 2, bring a youngster to make tortilla pizzas. The Marinara Sauce Class will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Pizza Class at 11:30 a.m. Come to one or both!
Expand your culinary skills with local chefs and gardeners in the outdoor garden kitchen.
The programs are presented by Charity Blooms in partnership with Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry.
Donations are welcome. Funds raised help nourish our community.
Learn more about the cooking classes or sign up at mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org/programs/cooking-classes/.