The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry’s team takes a moment away from their hard work to find the time for a quick photo. Executive Director Marilyn Weisner said the event would not have been possible without countless hours from the team and several other volunteers to put the Thanksgiving Gala together. Photo courtesy of Beth Kolar Photography, Community Photo Studios.

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

AURORA — To feed people and get them the food they need is a team effort and a community partnership and the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry knows this all too well.

Nov. 8, it held its 4th annual Thanksgiving Gala at Pipers Banquet in Aurora to celebrate the community and its various partners for the dedication to help fund the food pantry.
“This absolutely a partnership effort. We can’t do it alone,” said Executive Director Marilyn Weisner.

As of Nov. 11, the event raised more than $163,000. “We are so grateful to the community for offering this kind of support of our anti-hunger programs,” Weisner added.

A live auction brought in some big numbers. Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner was surprised at the amount one particular auction raised — $700 for Mayor for a Day, which was the first auction of the night.

Frank and Char Voris dance the night away with music provided by Wolf Gang. Photo courtesy of Beth Kolar Photography, Community Photo Studios.

“Some members of my staff who go to work for me every day might wonder at that amount,” he said with a laugh.

One guest went all out when it came to custom-made quilts hand-crafted by Gwen Mckee, who passed away Oct. 26, making the quilts a priceless item made by a loving women revered in Aurora. A memorial service was held the morning of the Gala, The quilts were bought for $2,500.

Guests were allowed to bid via their Smartphone, allowing accurate bidding updates and eliminating the need to get up from the table to check their bid.

As with any event, it isn’t done by one person. An entire team of volunteers and board members worked for months to make the Gala a success.

“Everyone was just incredible and we are so grateful to them. Frank and Char Voris and Scott and Michelle Voris are to be thanked for taking the leadership of the Gala event,” Weisner said.