Thousands raised for FoodShare

By Nicola Ceccato

Nov 21, 2023

**Support local:** The Berry Street Youth Foyer Bill and Beat’s event raised funds for Shepparton FoodShare, and the official cheque handover took place last Thursday. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Berry Street Youth Foyer has served up another successful fundraiser, with funds to flow to Shepparton FoodShare.

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The annual Berry Street Youth Foyer Bill and Beat’s fundraiser on Friday, October 20, raised $6800 for FoodShare.

On Thursday, November 16, the funds were handed over to the food rescue and redistribution organisation.

The fundraiser at Bill and Beat’s saw 70 people enjoy a three-course meal, raffles and entertainment from local talent Nigel Parsons.

The evening was organised and run by Youth Foyer students, making it even more spectacular.

Youth Foyer team leader Matt Jobling said it was a fantastic night, and seeing the students’ hard work pay off was the highlight of the evening.

“The feedback from the students was that they really enjoyed the night,” he said.

“We never fall short of getting Foyer students to volunteer for this event.”

Further success of the night was also thanks to the various business owners who donated prizes and raffles, and host Bill and Beats.

A total of 42 businesses were involved in the event, making it a record number of businesses to be involved in the fundraiser.

“We are very thankful to have local businesses support this event each year with kind donations to be raffled and auctioned on the night,” Mr Jobling said.

“Without the support of local businesses, the event wouldn’t be as successful as it has been time and time again.”

The success of the event also resulted in the employment of several Youth Foyer students that worked that evening by Bill and Beats.

The donation was welcomed by Shepparton FoodShare’s executive officer Glenn Peric.

He expressed gratitude and shared that the funds will be used for a good cause.

“We congratulate those involved in this successful fundraiser and thank all that supported the event,” Mr Peric said.

“Specifically, this valuable donation will support Shepparton FoodShare’s operating costs, helping to keep our doors open and providing a safe and coordinated environment in our busy warehouse.

“Our warehouse sees around 400,000kg of rescued and donated food sorted, stored and distributed to emergency relief agencies, schools, neighbourhood houses, churches and community meal programs for the people they support annually.”