The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is hosting its second annual Merry Meals Mixer fundraising event on Dec. 3 at the Ohio Christmas Factory in Canton. The Merry Meals Mixer is a unique opportunity for community members to support the Foodbank while also celebrating the holiday season. Learn more and purchase tickets at MerryMealsMixer.com.
The Foodbank is asking for the community’s support as it continues to see a significant increase in the demand for food. The first two weeks of November saw a large number of families visiting its hunger-relief network, with 28% more food pantry visits than the same period last year. The Foodbank is working to keep pace with the heightened need despite fewer resources, as government food support has declined by 36% so far this year.
While the shutdown has ended, its effects will linger and neighbors will likely still need to visit the Foodbank and its network for additional support as they recover. Many families who did not receive pay or received delayed food benefits will likely be playing catch up for several weeks.
“The past two months have added significant strain and anxiety to local families who were already doing everything they could to get by,” said Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Foodbank. “During the shutdown more people were turning to us for help, and our food bank and food programs in our network were feeling the pressure. We don’t anticipate the demand decreasing overnight, as we were already serving higher volumes of people leading up to the shutdown. We’re asking our community to continue to stand with us and to support local hunger relief. Attending the Merry Meals Mixer is a great way to support your Foodbank and its work.”
At the Merry Meals Mixer, guests will be immersed in a unique interactive holiday experience at the Ohio Christmas Factory. With more than 50,000 square feet of holiday décor, Christmas lights, immersive illusions, Santa’s workshop and more, attendees will delight in all the sights and sounds of the season.
Guests can bid on premium silent auction items and experiences, and beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths. Local companies and organizations decorated the artificial greenery in a variety of themes and donated them for the event.
During the strolling dining experience, guests will sample some of the region's finest culinary delights and desserts from nearly two dozen local purveyors. A drink passport can be purchased and includes signature cocktail samples at four different festive-themed bars.
General admission, priced at $60, includes access to the Ohio Christmas Factory and its holiday amusements, enjoyment of the many food samplings and the opportunity to bid on the various silent auction items, trees and wreaths.
VIP admission, priced at $100, includes early access to the venue and preferred parking, a signature festive cocktail, first in-person viewing opportunities for auction items and an exclusive holiday favor.
The $15 drink passport can be added to any ticket and can be purchased in advance or on Dec. 3.
Evergreen sponsors of the event include Atlantic Food Distributors and MCTV, and media partners include 1480 WHBC and Mix 94.1. North Pole sponsors include NECA IBEW Local 306 and IBEW 540.
To learn more about the Merry Meals Mixer and to purchase tickets, visit MerryMealsMixer.com or contact the Foodbank at 330.535.6900.