Reflecting on a Milestone: Little Elm Area Food Bank's 40th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser

On March 25th, we gathered to celebrate a significant milestone for the Little Elm Area Food Bank—our 40th anniversary Gala at Knotting Hill Place. This event is not just a marker of our past; it raised an impressive $22,000. These funds are vital in helping us meet the growing needs of families in our community facing food insecurity.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who attended and contributed to this special occasion. We are especially grateful for our generous sponsors: Cottonwood Creek Marina, Point Bank, CWD, Retractable Technologies, Titus Transportation, The Pearl Gentsch Family, and The Boling Family. Your support is essential for our ongoing mission.

Elegant dining setup for the gala event

A Night of Celebration and Reflection

The evening was not only about raising funds but also about appreciating our journey. The invocation was delivered by Oak Point Mayor Dena Meek, who infused the night with positivity. Little Elm's Mayor, Curtis Cornelious, energized the crowd while leading our exciting Live Auction, where attendees competed for unique items like a wine tasting at a local winery and a one-of-a-kind quilt made by a local quilter and supporter.

In honoring our founder, Miss Pearl Gentsch, and recognizing our previous executive director, Dewayne Brawner, we celebrated the strong roots of our organization. Thanks to their vision and dedication, we now serve thousands of families every year, impacting lives in meaningful ways.

Attendees enjoying our beautiful venue

Looking Forward: Bigger and Better in 2026

As we wrap up this anniversary celebration, our excitement for the future grows. Plans are already in motion for an even larger gala in the Fall of 2026. We aim to further expand our outreach and continue building on the community spirit that defines us.

This year's memorable theme, "Denim and Pearls," beautifully captured our rich history and community involvement. Attendees embraced the theme with stylish outfits that blended comfort and elegance, showing how fun events can be while still making a positive difference.

Community Impact: A Lifeline for Those in Need

Over the past year, the Little Elm Area Food Bank has significantly increased its ability to meet the needs of our community. We provided food assistance to over 2,370 families, which translates to approximately 9,023 individuals who benefited from our services.

In total, we distributed an astounding 297,000 meals, demonstrating the importance of our mission. Events like the gala are crucial for funding our operations and ensuring we can continue serving those who need it most.

The funds raised will directly support food supplies and help with operational costs, ensuring that the food bank remains a vital resource. Every dollar raised can help deliver up to 4 meals, showcasing the incredible impact your support has on the community.

Volunteers dating and sorting donations.

Staying Engaged Beyond the Gala

The gala serves as a catalyst for continued community support, but our work doesn’t stop there. Ongoing engagement through volunteering, donations, and raising awareness about food insecurity remains essential. We encourage everyone to get involved, whether by attending future events or finding other ways to support us.

By participating in fundraising efforts, individuals not only enjoy a memorable evening but also directly contribute to positive change. Community support strengthens the foundation built over the last 40 years.

Moving Forward Together

The 40th Anniversary Gala for the Little Elm Area Food Bank was much more than a celebration; it showcased our ongoing commitment to combating food insecurity. We are deeply thankful for the support from attendees and sponsors that made this possible.

As we continue on this journey, we invite everyone in our community to join us. Together, we can ensure the Little Elm Area Food Bank remains a lifeline for families in need for many more years.

With your support, we can build on the legacy of compassion established over the past four decades. As our planning begins for 2026, we’re eager to see even more members of our community come together in the spirit of giving. Our mission continues, and with you alongside us, the possibilities are limitless.