Second Harvest to host 12th annual fundraiser

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, 5510 Baumhart in Lorain, will hold its 12th annual Generous Helpings fundraiser Sept. 24.

The fundraiser will open the doors of the organization’s three-year old headquarters to the community.

“It’s our one fundraiser event of the year that we have where people come here,” said Susan Bartosch, external affairs director at Second Harvest.

The event welcomes hundreds of people from the community each year and transforms the interior into a gastronomic center where guests can try an array of dishes from 21 local favorite restaurants including Fligner’s Market and Chez Francois as well as enjoying some live music.

“The way the stage is going to be set up with the band, you will be able to hear the music inside and out,” Bartosch said. “And it is going to be a beautiful day on Sunday. It’s only from 5-8, so it’s not like it’s forever and ever and you’ve got to eat, eventually.

“So it’s a good way for people to come in and enjoy the great weather.”

Bartosch added the event is the one chance for people to come on site and see the work being done by Second Harvest and to support the organization moving forward with a new five-year strategic plan in addition to an opportunity to reach out to new people.

“There are so many people who are guests who will come to this who are so curious and interested that they may come on as volunteers,” Bartosch said. “It might be their first entrée in their involvement with us.”

In addition, the fundraiser will raffle off a number of items including gift baskets, trips and other fun items while a panel of judges who will award a critics choice award and the people’s choice award for best dishes, she said.

Tickets are $85 per person.

For more information about the Generous Helpings or other events, call Second Harvest at 440960-2265.