‘We’re here helping our neighbors when life gets hard’
October 9, 2025
Food Bank hosts 45th anniversary fundraiser
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The Bonner Community Food Bank is celebrating 45 years spent taking care of this ever-growing community with a fundraising dinner on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 5-8 p.m. at the Bonner County Fairgrounds (4203 N. Boyer Ave., in Sandpoint).
Tickets are $45 each or $360 for a table of eight to enjoy dinner, drinks, raffles and auctions, all of which further the Food Bank’s goal of raising $75,000.
“That number helps us meet the growing need in our community; it supports food purchases, transportation and the programs that help us feed over 3,000 individuals every month,” said BCFB Executive Director Debbie Love. “Every dollar helps us keep shelves stocked and respond when families need us most.”
The casual event will include small plates from Beet and Basil, Marigold Bistro, Spuds, the Klondyke Cafe and Tavern, Arlo’s, Flavors of Phoenicia, 113 Main, the Pack River Store, Sweet Lou’s, The Little Spoon and Joe’s Philly Cheesesteaks, as well as a signature cocktail, local beer samples and a no-host bar.
Food Bank volunteers prepare supplies for the community. Photo by Ben Olson
There will also be a live and silent auction with local art, gift certificates, gift baskets, dining experiences, outdoor getaways, a hockey suite package, boat rentals, Gonzaga tickets, a dinner with a private chef and more.
Guests can mingle and look over everything on offer before the bidding starts, all while tasting local favorites.
The nonprofit has seen a steady uptick in users over recent years — even before the busy holiday months — and proceeds from the event will help support its increasing operations.
“Typically, when the weather starts to get colder, we see an increase in need. Right now, we’re signing up new families almost every day — averaging about 30 to 40 new households each month,” said Love. “During the holidays, both our Sandpoint and Priest River pantries grow busier; but, thankfully, so does the generosity of our community. We plan to have turkeys again this year, along with bags filled with all the traditional fixings. …
“We’re also seeing more working families and larger households — people doing their best to make ends meet — turning to the food bank for a little extra support,” Love added.
Anyone unable to attend the anniversary fundraiser but still looking to support the food bank can donate or volunteer by visiting bonnerfoodbank.org/donate-volunteer. According to Love, the nonprofit always needs more volunteers during its busiest times: Mondays from 1-3:30 p.m. and Friday mornings.
“We’re here helping our neighbors when life gets hard,” said Love. “Every day, we’re helping families stretch their budgets, seniors get meals, and kids and teens have enough to eat through snacks and over weekends and school breaks.”
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