A virtual event that features a five-star meal and gift basket drawings? Here’s the lowdown on the hoedown!
The 10th annual Hoedown for the Hungry, with proceeds benefiting People Helping People in Hernando County and its many programs, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23.
“Because of the recent uprisings in COVID cases in Hernando County, the event will again be virtual,” read an event newsletter. And although the format of this signature PHP fund-raiser has been modified, its importance is greater than ever. “Because food insecurities are stronger, the need for donations are up. Every year, we count on fundraisers to help our programs but because of COVID, we are unable to hold the large in-person events like in the past,” said Becky Burton, Executive Director, People Helping People in Hernando County, Inc.
Proceeds from the event benefit PHP’s various programs including, Weekend Blessings for students in Hernando County schools; Sunday Blessings community meal; Senior Blessings groceries for seniors in low-income housing; Neighborhood Blessings food, supplies and showers for the homeless and financially impoverished; the computer labs for job searches, benefits enrollment, and GED classes; and a free medical walk-in clinic for the uninsured.
“We give food to children, seniors, families and homeless, basically anyone, and we do our best to help feed those Hernando County who need it, but without the support of the community, we cannot fulfill our mission,” said Burton.
This year’s Hoedown for the Hungry will feature a five-star meal (to-go) and opportunities for basket drawings with prizes. Tickets are available for individuals at $50 and couples at $75. Event sponsorships are also available at Gold, Silver and Bronze; with business sponsors being recognized on PHP’s website, Facebook & souvenir book and receiving tax-deductible donations. Those interested also can place an ad in a promotional hoedown book. Ads can be used as tax-deductible advertising expenses.
“We will publish an advertising book to give out to local businesses and their customers to show those who are supporting our community. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated as PHP continues to take a bite out of hunger in Hernando County,” read an article in the May 2021 edition of Food4Thought, People Helping People’s monthly newsletter.
All of this information can be found at www.phphernando.org/hoedown. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 352-686-4466.
Send your own good news notices to Hernando Sun community reporter Megan Hussey at [email protected]. Show Us Your Sunshine!
