Annual Radiothon Raises Funds for Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry

The entire community is welcome when the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry hosts its annual Radiothon to help keep the shelves stocked for families and individuals in need.

Set for 4-8 pm Friday, July 13, the Radiothon will take place on-site at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, 1110 Jericho Road. As part of the festivities, 95.9 The River will be broadcasting live during the event. This is the first time in its history the Radiothon has been held at the food pantry.

“Because this is the only major fundraising event for the pantry, community support is crucial,” said Executive Director Katie Arko. “Proceeds allow the pantry to keep its shelves stocked during the summer months when donations tend to slow a bit.”

The casual, summer-themed event includes dinner, drinks, live music, a raffle and an on-site cookout provided by Reuland Food Service. Guests can also enjoy unique summer beverages and a behind-the-scenes look at pantry operations.

“For those who have never been behind the scenes at the pantry, this is an opportunity to see how the operations work and to see what the experience of visiting a pantry for food assistance is like,” Arko said.

The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry is currently serving about 1,500 families a week, Arko said.

“The Radiothon is crucial for the pantry's ability to purchase food, cover the cost of various community programs, and ensure no one seeking food is turned away,” she said.

Helping to make this important event possible is Gerald Subaru of Naperville.

“There are not sufficient words to describe what the support of Gerald Subaru of Naperville means to the Aurora Food Pantry, and specifically for the Radiothon,” Arko said. “The sponsorship dollars from them are a crucial component in allowing the pantry to reach its goal for the event.”

Arko said Gerald provides some of the pantry’s largest donations each year.

“Not only is Gerald Subaru of Naperville a top supporter of the pantry, they are also tremendous advocates for the most vulnerable in our community,” Arko said. “Their staff has volunteered at the pantry numerous times, stocking shelves, loading groceries into trunks, and providing the manpower that allows us to continue to operate. We are extremely grateful for Gerald's commitment to helping those in need.”

Donna Lawler of The Gerald Auto Group said Gerald Subaru of Naperville is proud to be a strong supporter of the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry.

“We are honored to support organizations that provide real help to our neighbors,” Lawler said. “The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry plays a vital role in our community, and we’re proud to stand alongside them to make sure families have access to the food and resources they need.”

For more information on the Radiothon, visit aurorafoodpantry.org. For more information on Gerald Subaru of Naperville, visit www.geraldsubarunaperville.com.