GO Pantry has announced its annual Party for a Purpose will be Saturday, August 22 at Turfway Park Racing and Gaming in Florence
Party for a Purpose, now in its fourth year, helps GO Pantry launch the new school year of providing food to thousands of food-insecure school age youth. Local 12 news anchor Sheila Gray will emcee the event.
Designed to be more casual than a traditional fundraising gala, the event goes light on the presentation and heavy on the fun. Guests spend most of their time mingling with friends and colleagues as they browse silent auction packages, try their luck at party games and the bourbon raffle, and gather in the photo booth for a memento of the evening.
The food station grazing menu will offer a variety of selections, including sliders, Hot Brown bites, fajitas, vegetable frittata, chicken and waffles, and churros, among other options.
“One of my favorite parts of the evening is seeing people genuinely enjoying themselves with friends, then leaving feeling more connected to our mission and knowing they made a real difference for local children,” said Beth McIntire, GO Pantry co-founder and executive director. “Behind every game, every auction item, and every conversation is a child who does not need to wonder where their next meal will come from because this community chose to show up and help.”
GO Pantry began in 2012 when a group of friends collected food to help seven kids in a local school. That effort has blossomed into a movement that feeds more than 1,300 kids each week in over 100 schools spanning six counties. As requests for help grow each school year, so does the organization’s need to grow its circle of philanthropists willing to invest in GO Pantry’s mission. Party for a Purpose has annually generated net revenue of more than $100,000 for the past three years, with attendance exceeding 300 guests in 2025.
“One of our biggest responsibilities is to be a voice for the kids we serve,” said Laura Dumancic, GO Pantry co-founder and finance manager. “This event is an opportunity for the wider community to hear firsthand about GO Pantry’s mission to feed hungry kids — and hopefully, feel motivated to join us in helping the kids who need us most.”
Individual tickets are available for $125 and include admission, food, non-alcoholic beverages, and two drink tickets for alcohol — beer, wine, and liquor options. For event registration, raffle tickets, and silent auction bidding — beginning Aug 17 — visit goparty26.givesmart.com or text GOPARTY26 to 76278. Supporters who cannot attend can also participate in the auction and raffles; winners do not need to be present at the event.
For more information about GO Pantry or to volunteer with the organization, visit gopantry.org.
GO Pantry