More than 300 of Interfaith’s supporters gathered to “party with a purpose” at the recent Feed the Hungry Gala. Held Dec. 6 at Granite Links, the event raised more than $450,000 for our emergency food, mental health and homelessness prevention programs. Fundraising at the annual Gala accounts for a significant percentage of our annual budget.
“Without a doubt Interfaith’s programs have never been needed more than right now,” said our Executive Director Rick Doane.
Doane said the organization has seen a 100% increase in the number of households served by their food pantry in the last four years.
“If you drive by our building on any given morning, you will see hundreds of people lining up to get groceries,” Doane said. “They don’t want to be there, but they have no choice. Faced with a lack of affordable housing, they are having to make choices between paying rent and buying groceries. The lines of clients are a visible representation of how expensive it is to live in our state.”
Interfaith’s homelessness prevention program also saw a 70% increase this year in outreach from South Shore residents facing eviction or the loss of a basic utility.
“It was incredible to witness such an incredible display of generosity at this year’s Gala,” Doane said. “The community showed up in force to donate and sustain Interfaith’s programs.”
Feed the Hungry Gala guests enjoyed an evening of food and beverage samples, games, a silent auction and live music. Restaurants attending included Abby Park, Alma Nove, Granite Links, JP Fuji Group, Liberty Tavern, Niveaux Patisserie, Novara, Ocean Seafood International, Pearl & Lime, Sweet Lizzy P Bake Shop, Uno Mas and Victory Point. Beverage samples were provided by Castle Island Brewing, Untold Brewing and Bin Ends Wine. Purefections Chocolates provided an Interfaith branded chocolate-covered Oreo for guests to take home.
Attendees played carnival-style games as they attempted to win an assortment of prizes donated by generous local businesses. Guests were excited to challenge their friends or family members to a new “minute to win it” game called Solo Cup Stack and to try to win a Dunkin’ gift card in a new Dunkin’ Carvalho Group sponsored game.
All of Interfaith’s supporters were welcome to participate in the online silent auction, which offered packages including a Maine skiing vacation, a basketball signed by the Celtics, a Cape Cod glassblowing experience, Boston sports tickets and overnights at several Boston hotels. The South Shore’s Belted Galloways provided live music for the event.
The Feed the Hungry Gala is sponsored by many generous individuals and businesses, including Presenter Level Sponsor Arbella Insurance Foundation, Champion Level Sponsor Walmart, and Hero Level Sponsors The Heritage Companies, Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, Plymouth Quarries, Quincy Mutual Group, and Summit Energy.
Save the date now for our 2025 Feed the Hungry Gala, to be held on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Granite Links.
MORE PHOTOS: Highlights from the Feed the Hungry Gala
MORE PHOTOS: Spotted at the Feed the Hungry Gala