A local band is celebrating the success of Rockin' for a Reason, a fundraiser for South East Helping Hands.
"We raised just over $6,000," says Steve Neufeld with the band Crossfire. "We had a good crowd there."
He says that crowd gave generously.
"People bought 50/50 tickets, purchased tickets for the silent auctions, and dug into their pockets and gave extra. It was really neat to see," Neufeld says.
Between sets, the musician says South East Helping Hands gave a powerful reminder of why the evening mattered: A moving video and presentation from the food bank shared real stories of local families who’ve faced food insecurity.
"Moms, dads, and children, all of a sudden they don't know where their next meal will come from," Neufeld reflects. "Then, an organization like South East Helping Hands stepping in and saying, 'We can stand in the gap for you.'"
South East Helping Hands supports 400 families every two weeks, he says, and even extends help to smaller food banks in the region.
"It’s such a worthwhile cause," he says.
The band is especially thankful for the Frantz Inn, which partnered with Crossfire to host the event. According to Neufeld, the venue helped create the perfect vibe for an unforgettable night.
Judging by the crowd’s reaction, he says, it struck a chord with the community.
"We even asked the question, 'Should we do this again next year?' and a big cheer went out," Neufeld says.
Written with files from Corny Rempel
Moments from Rockin' for a Reason: (Photo credit: Jackie Lynn Koop Photography)