The Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank hosted a new fundraising event on December 8, 2024, the Merry Meals Mixer. More than 300 guests strolled through the Ohio Christmas Factory showing their support of local hunger relief, helping to raise funds to provide enough food for nearly 280,000 meals.
Event attendees delighted in the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The Ohio Christmas Factory boasts 50,000 square feet of general holiday merriment, including larger-than-life décor, immersive illusions, Santa’s workshop and more.
Guests wandered through the unique space, enjoying signature cocktails at four festive-themed bars while sampling food and desserts from more than a dozen local restaurants and purveyors.
Mac and cheese with specialty toppings from Old Carolina Barbeque Company and crème brûlée from Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute were a few fan favorites.
“I know how many people the Foodbank is able to assist. To help an organization that is helping so many people in the community is awesome to do,” said Jill Thomas, working the Nothing Bundt Cakes table.
Beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths donated by local organizations were available for bid. Themes such as winter wonderland and the Grinch from Whoville were executed to perfection.
Guests could also bid on silent auction items, including a Goodyear blimp ride and Cleveland Cavaliers suite.
“We’re extremely thankful for the community’s support of this new event,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “As our food bank continues to work hard to ensure our neighbors have access to nourishing meals, the number of people seeking help and the amount of food we’re distributing continues to rise. We’re grateful for the community’s unwavering generosity. We couldn’t do this work without them.”
Foodbank staff welcomed VIP guests with a chorus of Jingle Bells. After capturing their attention, Flowers thanked the group for showing their support of the party with a purpose. “Tonight, we are engaged in an ultimately redemptive mission that is a merry one, a joyful one. You are bringers of joy in this community.”
Merry Meals Mixer was presented by title sponsors Atlantic Food Distributors and MCTV.
The new holiday event was part of the Foodbank’s Holiday Campaign efforts. During November and December, the organization hopes to inspire the community to support hunger relief through volunteerism, coordinating a food and funds drive, making a donation, etc. There’s still time to support the campaign by attending the Foodbank’s Selfless Elf 5k run/walk on Dec. 21 at its Main Campus in Akron. Visit selflesself.com to learn more and register.
For more information about the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call 330.535.6900. To search available food programs in the Foodbank’s network, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/find-help.
