Maltby Food Bank seeks support from local businesses

Plans are in full gear for the Maltby Food Bank’s annual charity auction and dinner this fall. Food Bank volunteers are now collecting donations of goods and services from local businesses and individuals to auction off at the fundraiser.

Local businesses and individuals are urged to donate fun prizes, dream trips, and fantasy gifts in order to obtain high bids from auction attendees. Big-ticket items make the live auction more exciting for the participants, while smaller donations are also welcome for the silent auction.

Donations procured so far include a pass to the front of the line at The Maltby Cafe with a complimentary meal for four served by Evening Magazine’s John Curley; a one day rental of a mini excavator from Darling Sons Int’l; and a one week rental at Villa Belpasso, Pitisliano, Italy, from Maremma Tours.

Another way businesses can support the Maltby Food Bank is by becoming an event sponsor. There are several sponsorship levels suited for any size donation: table sponsor, auction sponsor, program book sponsor, etc. For sponsorship or donation information, contact Bill Schink, capital campaign manager, at 425-398-2412.

The goal of the Maltby Food Bank is to continue improving processes for acquiring and distributing food, personal care items, school supplies, and holiday gifts to families in need, while transitioning into a community service center.

The fourth annual charity auction and dinner will be held on October 19, 2008, at The Golf Club at Echo Falls. The event is sponsored by the Langston Family of Snohomish and will be hosted by John Curley. To donate, sponsor, or buy tickets, contact Bill Schink at 425-398-2412 or Karl Gauglitz at 425-770-1349.

About Maltby Food Bank

The Maltby Food Bank was established in 1993 as a registered non-profit organization serving the southeast corner of Snohomish County, the region known as Maltby. It is 1 of 20 food banks belonging to the Snohomish County Coalition of Food Banks and the only one in an unincorporated area of the County. Since its inception, the Food Bank has existed in three different locations, including the current building for the past nine years. In 2005, the Food Bank was presented with the opportunity to purchase the building for half of the appraised value. The community, corporate sponsors, and the Woodinville Rotary Club donated funds sufficient for a down payment and Frontier Bank provided the mortgage. In January 2007, the mortgage was paid off primarily with a grant from the Medina Foundation and additional donations from the community. Ownership of the building ensures the Maltby community a permanent food bank location and provides the opportunity to transition to a community service center. The Maltby Food Bank serves approximately 100 families per week or 400 people, which includes 40% children and 10% seniors. The Food Bank is comprised of a 100% volunteer staff, with Director Fran Walster and more than 40 other volunteers. For more information, go to www.maltbyfoodbank.org.