On December 3rd, the United Way of Mark Twain hosted the Charcuterie for Charity event in Hannibal, Missouri, raising an impressive $19,256 for local nonprofit organizations. This event marked the beginning of Giving Week, which runs until December 6th, and featured a variety of charcuterie displays from local businesses, each showcasing their culinary creativity while supporting a good cause.
Key Takeaways
- Total Raised: $19,256 for local nonprofits.
- Event Date: December 3rd, 2023.
- Giving Week Duration: December 3rd – December 6th.
- Matching Fund: Up to $10,000 available for participating nonprofits.
Event Highlights
The Charcuterie for Charity event was a delightful evening filled with food, community spirit, and philanthropy. Local businesses sponsored charcuterie tables, and representatives from various nonprofit organizations were present to engage with attendees about their missions and services.
The event featured a friendly competition among the charcuterie displays, judged by Ashley Orscheln, owner of McDonald’s and a partner in United Way’s ‘Dine United’ program. The awards were given in three categories:
- Best Tasting: The Child Advocacy Center, sponsored by Benson Financial Group, wowed attendees with their homemade ice cream, crumble cookies, and cupcake display.
- Most Creative: The Salvation Army impressed with a s’mores bar complete with a candle for toasting marshmallows, alongside homemade fudge and candies.
- Overall Best: HAYS and Hannibal Parents as Teachers, sponsored by Century 21 Broughton Team, showcased a martini-themed dip table featuring a variety of warm and cold dips served in small martini glasses.
Community Impact
Denise Damron, director of the United Way of the Mark Twain Area, expressed her excitement about the event’s success and the community’s support for local organizations. She stated, "It’s always wonderful to see our community support these local organizations that, in turn, provide a lifeline to local people in need of help. I can’t wait to see how many dollars our community can raise!"
The funds raised during this event will significantly impact the participating nonprofits, which include:
- AVENUES
- Birthday Blessings
- CHART Teen Task Force
- Coyote Hill
- Douglass Community Services
- Families and Communities Together (FACT)
- Hannibal Free Clinic
- Hannibal Parents as Teachers
- Harvest Outreach Ministries
- Hannibal Alliance for Youth Success
- Heartland Resources, Inc.
- Learning Opportunities/Quality Works (LOQW)
- Monroe City Food Pantry
- Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC)
- The Salvation Army of Hannibal
- The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri
- The YMCA of Hannibal
How to Contribute
As part of Giving Week, donations can still be made to support these local nonprofits. Contributions made during this period will be matched up to $2,500 per organization until the $10,000 cap is reached. This initiative encourages community members to give generously, knowing their contributions will have an even greater impact.
For those looking to support local causes, this event exemplifies how community engagement and creativity can come together to make a difference. The Charcuterie for Charity event not only provided a platform for local nonprofits to showcase their work but also fostered a sense of unity and support within the Hannibal community.
