The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry held its annual Radiothon June 13, at its facility on 1110 Jericho Road in Aurora. Approximately 140 people attended the casual affair at the pantry, which was transformed by volunteers into a welcoming event venue for the night. Radiothon featured a silent auction, paddle raise, games, food, and an open bar. As in previous years, radio station 95.9 The River was a fixture at Radiothon, with host Scott MacKay broadcasting live from the event. Radiothon is the pantry’s only fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the event go to keeping the pantry stocked throughout the summer months, when donations are typically at their lowest. At present, the pantry has raised $180K from the event.
The night was also for celebrating the efforts of those making significant moves in the fight against food insecurity. Honorees and longtime supporters of the pantry, Patrick and Marilyn McGowan were awarded the Individual Pantry Partner Award for their significant support over the years. Not only have the McGowans been generous financial supporters of the pantry over the years but their service as volunteers and mentors have proved instrumental to the advancing the pantry’s mission. Always thinking of others, they recently hosted a fundraiser for the pantry to celebrate their joint 75th birthday party. Fellow honorees Marc and Luis Bernard of local and independent Rustic Road Farm were also recognized for their regular donations of freshly grown products direct from their farm. In 2024 alone, Rustic Road Farm donated over 4,400 pounds of food and $3,500 to the pantry. Their contribution of healthy, fresh, right out-of-the-ground produce are desperately needed and wanted by our neighbors and helps the pantries mission of providing nutrient-dense foods like fresh dairy, meat and produce in addition to shelf stable items. Remarks were shared in absentia by District 129 Jefferson Middle School Principal Jeff Bryant, who praised the positive impact AAIFP’s “micro pantry” has had on over 7,000 students.
Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came when community member, Ricardo, shared their story about how the pantry changed their life. “Thanks to the Food Pantry, I now have my own apartment. They helped me furnish it, keep food on the table, and continue to support me as I build a new life,” says Ricardo. “I’m excited. I feel hopeful. And I feel peace knowing that when I need something, there are people who care—people who really listen and are willing to help. Whenever I meet someone who needs help, I personally bring them to the Food Pantry because I know that they will leave with some kind of help every time.”
“We felt the best way for our supporters to get to know us, see our work, and see the impact of their contributions was to bring them here to the pantry.” says Executive Director Katie Arko. “Many of the attendees shared that this was their first Radiothon, and their first time at the pantry and several have already inquired about returning as volunteers.”
“Having the event at the pantry and having so many of our volunteers and employees pitching in to make the event special was amazing. It really showed the commitment we all have to the pantry,” says Development Committee Chair Jessica Garrity. “I have high hopes that more individuals will come out in support of the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry after truly seeing what we do every day. I am already looking forward to next year’s event!”
You can still support the pantry’s work throughout the year by making a donation at www.aurorafoodpantry.org/online-donation.
—Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry