The Hope for the Hungry dinner is a tradition in Hernando County: an annual gala gathering to support People Helping People, an interfaith community established to provide food and basic necessities to needy individuals. The core mission of this agency, based in Spring Hill, has a “focus on feeding children, seniors, the homeless, and families.” This year, the agency’s signature fund-raiser takes on a creative, entertaining and spooky turn!
Hope for the Hungry: Spooktacular Evening of Fun will be celebrated Oct. 14, 6-10 p.m., at the Elks Lodge 2582, 13383 Countyline Road, Spring Hill. Tickets are $75 per person, an admission that accesses an enchanting evening of dinner and dancing, the Best Costume Contest, a silent auction, a lottery ticket tree and much more entertainment.
“This year, for our Celebration Dinner, which is our largest annual fundraiser, we decided to have some fun with the October 14 date and incorporate Halloween into the theme,” said Kendra Kenney, executive director of People Helping People. “Who doesn’t love Halloween?”
According to Kenney, guests will be encouraged to dress in their most spooktacular Halloween costumes for this bright seasonal event. One guest will win a prize for the best costume. The wearing of costumes, however, is optional, and, Kenney says, guests can wear their Hoe Down for the Hungry (another popular PHP fund-raiser) attire if they so choose.
“We encourage guests to dress in costume, although it’s not required,” said Kenney. “I think we’ll see some pretty creative costumes!” And, as always, this special Hope for the Hungry happening is set to feature a gourmet feast and an open dancefloor. Of course, Elks Lodge 2582, where the event will take place, will provide delicious food. “There’s a dance floor, and there will be music for dancing.”
And, as might be expected at an All Hallow’s Eve celebration, treats of various varieties will be available. “We’ll still have gift baskets to raffle as in previous years, along with a new twist: a lottery ticket tree,” said Kenney.
The Spooktacular will also feature prime seasonal activities that allow participants to ‘carve’ out their own niche of creative fun.
“There’s going to be a contest for our board members to see who can carve the best pumpkin,” said Kenney, “and to keep the mood going, there will be a fortune teller!”
And it’s all for a good cause. “As much fun as this will be, we never lose sight of the purpose behind it,” said Kenney. “It helps People Helping People to continue to feed and provide other supportive services for those in need in Hernando County. The community has always been such a strong supporter of our mission.”
“October 14th’s Spooktacular Evening of Fun is a way for everyone to have fun,” she said, “and while helping their neighbors who are hungry and struggling to have food on the table.”
Call 352-686-4466 to purchase tickets, be a sponsor, or donate items for the gift baskets for Hope for the Hungry: Spooktacular Evening of Fun.
“Wear your best costume,” reads the October edition of Food 4 Thought, the People Helping People newsletter, “and support a great cause.”
