On February first, hundreds attended the 13th Annual Holliston Pantry Shelf SOUPer Bowl 2020, its largest single fundraiser, at Christ The King Lutheran Church. The community gathered together for delicious soups donated by local businesses, along with bread, beverages and dessert, raffles, and companionship.
“We are so grateful to all of the individuals and businesses that support us year after year in our largest annual fundraiser,” said Keely Krantz, President of Holliston Pantry Shelf. “The proceeds from this event go directly toward helping the 200 families in town that rely on our community for food assistance.”
As a special part of the night, the Pantry Shelf’s Krantz and Pantry past president Stephen Bradford honored one of the Holliston Pantry Shelf’s four founders, Sylvia Stickney.
“Until this past year, Sylvia was working a shift at the pantry. She resigned from Board of Directors a year or so ago. We couldn’t do what do at the pantry without people like her. Even though she’s not on the board … she’s still the face of the Holliston Pantry Shelf,” said Bradford.
“I have enjoyed every day that I worked at the pantry … and I am so grateful every lovely face that comes into my sight that I recall working at the pantry. Many people are still there, and they do very well. I really think that people are getting softer and kinder,” said Stickney, joking that her husband, Bill’s response to that was “’That’s nice, dear,’” and adding that he “ has been wonderful and always, from the time since we started. There was never anything we tried to do and didn’t manage.” Stickney then turned attention away from herself to thank “wonderful people” who keep the Holliston Pantry Shelf going.
This was the fourth year the Pantry Shelf held this fundraiser at Christ the King, says Krantz. If you didn’t have a chance to attend, you can donate or sponsor right on the newly-revamped Holliston Pantry Shelf website (www.hollistonpantryshelf.org). The new site was redesigned pro bono and launched in August by an employee service organization of Definitive Healthcare.
Attendees enjoyed soup donated by the following businesses: Bazels, Bertucci’s, Corner Market, Outpost Farm, Superette, Holliston Pantry Shelf, and Nestle. In addition, 26 local businesses and families donated “Mug Sponsorships”. The 2020 Mug Sponsors include: Bradford Leisure Time Activities, Brian and Nicole Fitzgerald, Countryside Auto: A Brigham Gill Co., Definitive Healthcare, Diane Regan - Realty Executives Boston West, Fiske’s General Store, Harelick Dental Associates of Holliston, Holiday Dreams Foundation, Holliston Oil Service, Inc., Holliston True Value Hardware, Hometown Automotive & Autobody, Jay Marsden Law/Solares Hill Advisors, Kathy Chisholm/Realtor, Kiley Insurance, Knights of Columbus Council #14224, M.E.Dellicker Construction Co., Metrowest Regional Transit Authority, Miller Wachman, LLP, Needham Podiatry, Nick’s Central Garage and Towing, Ninigret Capital, R.A. Hovsepian Family, St Mary’s Catholic Women’s Group, The Gerber Family, The Krantz Family, Village Auto Service Center.
The Holliston Pantry Shelf serves close to 200 families in town, and is entirely operated and staffed by volunteers in the community. Any resident of Holliston may go to the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall to obtain a Panty ID card, which entitles them to shop weekly at the Pantry. Shoppers do not need to demonstrate any need, and their identities are kept strictly confidential.
Krantz, who explains that 60% to 70% of the items at the food pantry come from the Greater Boston Food Bank, says the rest is purchased at Market Basket or donated through “amazing partnerships” with community businesses, such as The Muffin House.
“We’re really careful about presenting a good experience for the people who come in to shop with us,” says Krantz.
The Holliston Pantry Shelf is located at 73 Charles Street. Donations are always welcome. Pantry Hours are Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and evening hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Issue Date:
March, 2020
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