Locavorious is proud to sponsor Food Gatherers annual event to raise 600,000 meals for people struggling with hunger in Washtenaw County! On Sunday, June 14, join more than 2,000 guests for live music, food from more than 50 local restaurants, beer and wine, a silent auction and activities for kids. Now in its 26th year, Grillin’ for Food Gatherers is an event for all ages, hosted at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds (5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road) from 3:00 until 8:00 PM.
This year’s band lineup includes blues and rock beats from Grillin’s longtime headliner, George Bedard and the Kingpins. The stage will open with a blend of original funk, blues and folk rock from Anna Lee’s Company, followed by The Macpodz, a disco bebop band with Motown and soul influences. Grillin’ will be broadcast live by ann arbor’s 107one and Grillin’ Master of Ceremonies, Martin Bandyke.
More than 250 local businesses donate to the menu, silent auction (hope you’ll bid on Locavorious’ locally grown frozen fruits and veggies!), entertainment and cash. Guests can look forward to a menu of grilled gourmet sausages, chicken, corn, tofu dogs, vegetarian burgers, and side dishes from local vendors, followed by desserts from Zingerman’s Bakehouse and Creamery. Be sure to look for Locavorious’ sweet corn barley salad, a lovely vegan option created from all organic & local ingredients! The bar features Michigan wine and microbrews including drafts from Arbor Brewing Company.
Families enjoy an area just for kids: activities hosted by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, a free photo booth, lawn games, face painting and Mity Nice Italian Ice.
While Grillin’ is a light-hearted, family fun event, its mission is serious: to alleviate hunger in Washtenaw County. The event not only raises awareness and support for Food Gatherers’ food rescue and food bank program, it enables the food bank to distribute 13,000 meals a day to 44,500 adults, seniors and children in need of food.
Adult tickets are $75 in advance and $10 for kids ages 3-13 (kids under 3 are free). Each adult ticket sold provides 150 meals to those in need; each kid ticket provides 15 meals. At the gate, adult tickets are $85; kid tickets are $10. Ticket price includes buffet, dessert and entertainment.
Buy advance tickets online at www.foodgatherers.org/grillin or call (734) 761-2796. Tickets are also available at ticket vendors: Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Deli and Roadhouse; Bookbound Bookstore; Dexter Picture Frame Company; and Saline Picture Frame Company.
ABOUT FOOD GATHERERS
Food Gatherers is Washtenaw County’s food bank and food rescue program, distributing 6 million pounds of food to 150 non-profit programs serving 44,500 low-income adults, seniors and children annually. For a list of food donors and recipient agencies or to learn how you can become involved in the fight against hunger locally, please visit the web at www.foodgatherers.org or call (734) 761-2796.
