MOUNT VERNON — When the money and food had all been counted, there was no hiding the surprise and joy on the faces of the many volunteers and agency representatives who turned out Saturday for the Food for the Hungry drive.
Despite the struggling economy and the stretched budgets of many Knox Countians, the community pulled together to take care of those going through hard times, setting a new record of collecting $180,000 and blowing away the ambitious goal set for the 27th annual drive.
Early in the day, FFH Executive Director Micah Rubenstein watched the totals slowly climbing during the live broadcast, which featured hosts WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart, and WMVO’s Adam Taylor and Dave Bevington.
“The food [collection] actually is going incredibly well,” said Rubenstein as vehicles at City Hall were filled with cans and boxes of food to fill pantry shelves at The Salvation Army and Interchurch Social Services. FFH had set a goal of collecting 50 truckloads of food for the two agencies. Fifty-four trucks were ultimately filled.
“The cash is slower because people have less,” Rubenstein explained, as the total cash raised appeared it could fall short of the $150,000 goal set for the event. “People have less and people are giving what they can, which is wonderful.”
As the afternoon unfolded, however, community members came forward to donate a few dollars, drop off some food items, or bid on one of the vehicles or other items auctioned during the event. Corporate sponsors also came through in a big way, according to Rubenstein, but in the end, it was individuals who made the big difference and brought the final total to $180,000.
After the final numbers were announced, Rubenstein spoke with Maj. Bob Bender, commander of the Mount Vernon Salvation Army, and Joy Harris, executive director of Knox County Interchurch Social Services.
“What this means, is it ensures us being able to go longer into the year,” Bender said of the funds and food collected.
“On that day in July when someone can’t make their rent, we can help,” Harris added.
Bender and Harris said their agencies have seen a dramatic rise in the request for food and other emergency help as the economy has worsened this year. Many of the requests are coming from families who have never requested help before.
“We’re seeing new people more than ever before,” Bender said. “They consistently say that they never thought they’d have to ask before. This helps us get them over the hump, and hopefully they’ll be OK.”
All of the food and money raised by FFH stays in Knox County.
“It stays here and it helps us purchase the food and pay rent for people,” Bender explained. “If it weren’t for this effort, it could be very difficult to do what we do.”
The auction of vehicles restored by Knox County Career Center students drew a large crowd, including several of the students who had worked on the vehicles, and two of their teachers.
The students and teacher Tim Hall gave up much of their free time over the past several weeks to ensure the three trucks, trailer and car were in showroom shape for the auction.
“Our teacher was there until three in the morning, and some people were there all night,” said 16-year-old auto tech student Allyson Black of Mount Vernon.
“We were all there early this morning,” said 17-year-old auto tech student Stephen Miles from Centerburg. “It’s just a nice thing to do.”
“I don’t know exactly what it’s like to be hungry, but I’ve been pretty close to it,” said 16-year-old auto tech student Caleb Ryan of Newcastle.
The three friends stayed for the entire auction along with other students, cheering as the bids for the vehicles climbed higher.
The career center students did not just contribute their time and effort to the FFH drive, many contributed their own money, purchasing food for a competitive collection held at the school each year. Each class collected 2,600 items, resulting in a tie, according to the students.
Auctioneers Sam McQueen and Jerry Scott urged the bids upward, pointing out the people who would be helped by each dollar raised.
“You will receive such a blessing,” McQueen told bidders.
“Look at those faces,” Rinehart said to bidders on the square and those bidding at home by telephone. “These kids have worked hard.”
Anita Van Winkle of Mount Vernon bought a red Jeep Cherokee for $5,500.
“I work at the career center and I know what they do,” she said of the auto students. “They need to know that their efforts are appreciated.”
A Cadillac CTS was purchased by phone bid by Harley Scott of Wooster for $21,500.
Newlyweds Brittany and Jordan Eckert bought a Dodge Dakota signed by Jim Tressel for $6,900. Brittany, a FFH volunteer, cried as she explained why the cause is so important to her.
“I’ve seen FFH now for four years and I believe that Christ is working through Knox County,” she said. “My husband and I have a strong faith. God can move and make a difference through anybody.”
One of the final vehicles auctioned was a trailer equipped for road trips and tailgating, which included a television, grill and refrigerator, and other necessities. Renee McDaniel of Howard, who also works at the career center, purchased the trailer for $7,000.
Linn Freeman of Mount Vernon purchased the 1978 scarlet and gray Ford pickup — which towed the trailer to the auction — for $7,000. Denny and Teresa Hart of Bellville, who owned the truck for several years, were at the auction. Denny is Tim Hall’s cousin, and gave him the truck for the project.
Teresa explained the couple had gone on their first date and had their first kiss in the truck. Now the sale of the truck, brought back to pristine condition by Hall’s students, will benefit families all year.
Hall said after the auction that after expenses, the vehicle auction raised $25,900 for FFH this year.
Three hats once owned by Helen Zelkowitz were auctioned later in the afternoon. Each of the hats was purchased once, then given back to be resold. The auction raised $2,700.
“Mrs. Z was a real role model and a real pioneer in broadcasting,” Marty Trese of WMVO, who organized the hat auction, explained. “This is a great way to keep her memory alive.”
A red straw hat was purchased by VFW Post 4027 for $1,000, and re-purchased by Monet Wiford for $500.
“It’s neat to have it, because it’s from Helen,” Wiford said.
Dean and Audrey Spearman purchased a white felt hat with rhinestones for $250; Leslie Franz then re-purchased it for $300.
The final hat auctioned, a black wool with rhinestones, was also purchased by the Spearmans and donated back. The Spearmans contributed $400, and the hat was then purchased by Rita Gaddis of Mount Vernon for $250.
The shopping cart derby was very competitive this year. The Mount Vernon News team was first to arrive at the square, and also raised the most money, collecting $1,080.
The team from WMVO collected the most food, bringing 755 food items to the square.
“We were so disappointed,” said Beth Wagner from WNZR’s team. “This is the second year in a row we were right behind the News.”
The Time-Warner team arrived last, but promised to rework its strategy for next year.
Long-time FFH volunteers Dean Spearman and Austin Swallow commented on the fact that many of this year’s participants are now second-generation contributors to FFH.
“I am blown away at this total in these economic times,” said Rinehart. “Knox County is such a giving and caring community and I am proud to live here, work here, and serve here. I feel that Food for the Hungry is part of my ministry and today I praise the Lord for answering many prayers from families across our community.”
