What began in the early 1990’s as a food drive in a Minnesota neighborhood by a former Augusta resident has evolved into a major community fundraising campaign in her hometown that feeds hundreds of thousands of hungry families annually.
Former Augusta resident, Evelyn Browne started It’s Spooky To Be Hungry in 1992. She donated the concept to Golden Harvest Food Bank, which has become a major fundraiser for the food bank. This year’s goal is to raise $250,000, according to the non-profit organization’s CEO, Amy Breitmann.
Breitmann said over the last 30 years, It’s Spooky To Be Hungry has evolved from a food drive to a virtual fundraiser with dozens of CSRA businesses, churches, and schools raising money, collecting food, or both. Businesses participating in this year’s campaign include Seigler’s Karate Center, Hargrove Inspections, and Murphy Auto Group.
“We’re so proud of our community stepping forward,” she said.
As of yesterday afternoon, the campaign had raised a little more than $206,000.
“The virtual fundraising drives are really the most impactful; we’ve really pushed for an online platform,” Breitmann said. “It has become a food and fun drive.”
Businesses compete to raise the most money or collect the largest amount of food. These businesses will be placed into various categories based on size and type. Winners in each category will be recognized at a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 10.
By raising $250,000, Golden Harvest will be able to provide 750,000 meals to families in its 25-county territory in Georgia and South Carolina. Because of inflation, many of these families are struggling to buy food.
Breitmann said the campaign won’t end on Oct. 31. The It’s Spooky To Be Hungry website normally remains active the first couple weeks of November, and many donations come in at the last minute.
“I think we’ll get close to our goal,” Breitmann said. “This annual fundraiser is very important to us to keep moving those 12 million meals out to the community.
