July? How can it be? Is it because I’m getting older or that the days are just jam-packed with so many things that time flies by so quickly? It really doesn’t seem that long ago when my sister and I enjoyed the long, warm summer days together playing with friends until it got dark or helping on our grandparents’ farm with baling hay, milking cows and summer chores. And when I think of July, I’m always reminded of the day I left for Basic Training in the US Army at Ft Jackson, SC on July 8, 1982. It seems as though that it was a different lifetime as I close my eyes and think back to the “good old days.”
Times weren’t easy for many families then, but things have certainly not gotten any easier with higher prices for everything – gas, groceries, housing, childcare, healthcare to just name a few. In fact, during the first half of the year, The River Food Pantry has seen a 16% increase in need after an already very busy 2024. Hunger is not taking a break in Dane County!
Still, I continue to be inspired by so many wonderful nonprofits in our community doing good, much-needed work. It’s so humbling to know that The River was voted as a finalist once again for Best Charitable Organization through the madison.com People’s Choice Awards. And this year we’re a finalist for Best Chef as well! Our kitchen staff work tirelessly every week to prepare over 2,000 meals for our clients, a fully prepared meal that is nutritious and delicious. There are just a few days left to vote. Please take a moment to vote for The River in both categories by July 20 at go.madison.com/peopleschoice.
Speaking of time flying by—it feels like we just finished last year’s fundraiser and here we are again, planning Sips & Slices: A Tailgate Taste-off for The River! If you’re available on September 14 from 1-4 pm, please join us. This exciting annual event will feature slices of tailgate-themed dishes prepared by 10 (or maybe 11) teams of local chefs and celebrities. We’re grateful for these volunteers who are giving their time and talent in such a fun, flavorful way.
Sips & Slices tickets will go on sale soon, with early bird ticket pricing until the end of July. This year we’ll also have a VIP experience (with a limited number of tickets available) to meet and experience yummy apps made by Jake Lawler as seen on Yes, Chef! If you’re looking for a unique way to support The River and enjoy some amazing food, purchase a ticket and invite friends and family to join you. Please help to make this year’s fundraiser a great success by contributing with your dollars.
While we look forward to once again hosting this year’s Sips & Slices at the East Side Club, I’m so excited to think that next year’s event will be held in The River’s very own facility at 3301 Packers Avenue. We’re still on target for the construction to be complete by early December with move-in end of December and early January.
To everyone who continues to support The River—thank you. Your generosity, time, and belief in our mission make all the difference as we do our best to meet our community’s historic need for food. Please, don’t stop. We need you now more than ever.