Kendall County Community Food Pantry (KCCFP) invites you to their premier event of the year, the Fill The Carts Gala, to be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at BrighterDaze Farm, 10978 Crimmin Road, in Newark, Ill..
It is sure to be an unforgettable evening filled with dinner, drinks, entertainment, and a live and silent auction, all focused on their mission to serve families in need in our local area.
“Since joining the pantry in December 2023, I’ve been continually amazed by the unwavering support this community shows to those in need,” said Alex Hurd, executive director of KCCFP. “The Gala presents yet another opportunity to make a difference. With your continued support, we hope to establish an annual event that will positively impact lives for years to come.”
“I always appreciate connecting with people who care deeply about making a difference,” added Dulce Vargas, assistant director of KCCFP. “It really is all about supporting families in need, and our volunteers do this every week, one cart at a time. By supporting us at this gala event, you can join us and truly make a difference in the lives of so many. The Fill the Carts Gala is one of the biggest nights of the year for us at the Pantry. It’s a chance for the community to come together, have a great time, and support this important cause.”
Of all the things a person can donate, money is still the most effective. “For every dollar you donate, we use our buying power with the regional Northern Illinois Food Bank, which provides us $8 worth of groceries for every dollar we spend. This opportunity makes our gala event more extraordinary than any other!” Dulce added.
The KCCFP, 208 Beaver Street, Yorkville, serves more than 1,000 families monthly. Residents of Kendall, Lasalle, and Dekalb Counties are eligible to register to receive food, clothing, and essential support. It takes hundreds of volunteers to offer year-round weekly distribution days and special holiday provisions, clothing, diapers, and other daily essentials such as pet food for people in need in our communities. The pantry also offers a medical clinic with no-cost medical care for uninsured and underserved residents of Kendall County.
“People do make a difference here” Dulce said. “The most important resource for our work is our volunteers!” There are no special skills or capabilities required. Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age, must be committed to scheduled volunteer hours and have a positive attitude.
The Pantry accepts donations 24 hours-a-day through a red donation door, on the front of the building, just left of the large dock doors.
The Fill the Carts Gala 2025 gives donors an opportunity to enjoy visiting the magnificent BrighterDaze Farm. Originally built in 1998 as a family sanctuary respite, BrighterDaze Farm has evolved into a breeding facility for Rocky Mountain Horses as well as a destination venue for weddings, events, and celebrations. The gala evening includes a delicious dinner and desserts, an open bar with unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails, a live and silent auction, musical entertainment and impactful moments to celebrate.
“Of course, we want to help Fill the Carts, but we also want to thank you, our community, for being such amazing neighbors,” Dulce said. “We hope this gala will do just that, thank all our supporters in our community. With your support The Pantry regularly serves more than 500 families each week!”
Individual tickets to the gala event are available online now at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-fundraising-gala-42, or using QR Code:
For those interested in sponsorship please call: Dulce Vargas, assistant director of the Kendall County Community Food Pantry at 630-553-0473.
More information about services offered through the Kendall County Community Food Pantry is available at kccfoodpantry.org.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, who has served in a variety of capacities throughout her career, including public relations, television producer and host, on air radio host, print journalist, and in the non-profit sector networking among a variety of social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is also serving her hometown of Plano Illinois as an elected alderman. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.