The Annual “Feeding Our Neighbors” event hosted by Spencer Cable Access (SCA) was held on Saturday, September 22. The event drew many members of the community who donated food, toiletries, and financial contributions to benefit the Spencer Food Pantry.
Here is the breakdown of the amount of food and money that was raised:
- Financial contributions: $925
- SCA matching donation: $1,000
- Klem’s Register Round Up Fundraiser: $4,000
- Total financial contributions: $5,925
- Food donations: $1,400
- Big Y Food Donation: 6,500 lbs
Local Spencer businesses stepped up with major contributions. The Spencer Big Y has committed to donating 6,500 lbs of food which is valued at roughly $1.00 per pound. “As a local, family owned and operated company, Big Y is happy that we can help out the Spencer Food Pantry with this donation and we look forward to helping them more in the future. As a company, we also donate to the Worcester County Food Bank every day of the week and we encourage those in need to utilize this resource, as well,” said Patrick Tatro, Big Y Store Manager. He added, “we appreciate that Spencer Cable Access was able to include us in their 20th anniversary event. As someone who has lived in Spencer my whole life, it gives me great pleasure to be able to help our community.”
And Klem’s Department Store held a “register round-up” fundraiser that raised $4,000 as of last Saturday. That fundraiser remains open until the end of September.
Also at the event, Spencer Cable Access conducted studio tours to educate the public on how their local television station operates and to generate interest in volunteering. Volunteers are paid a stipend for assignments, and being involved with SCA is a great resume builder.
SCA celebrated its 20th birthday during the event, welcoming several current and former volunteers and producers. You can hear from them in a celebration video at SCATV.org/birthday.
Also on hand were local musicians, the Johnny Wheeler Band and long-time Spencer favorite, Chuck and Mud. In addition, the Spencer Fire Department and the Spencer Police Department were in attendance to discuss important public safety issues and to answer questions that residents had. The Spencer Police Department conducted car seat safety inspections free of charge.
“I am very pleased with the turnout and the support the community showed. Something as simple as bringing a bag of food really goes a long way and makes a big difference. It’s events like this that make Spencer a better community,” said Aaron J. Keyes, Station Manager at SCA.
Photos by SCA staff member, Jackie Mushinski.
Bill and Deb Wall receive donations for the Spencer Food Pantry
Sarah Morris and John Stevens are prepared to hand out maps for the Town-Wide Yard Sale
Officers Paul Majerowski and Valerie Morin perform car seat safety checks.
The Spencer Fire Department was on hand.
SCA Station Manager Aaron Keyes cuts the cake celebrating SCA’s 20th birthday.
SCA Board Member Kyle Sullivan manages sound for the live concert.
Ed and Tina Bemis reunite with Lee and Casek Danek for a special Bloomin’ Gardening Workshop.
SCA staff member Kyle Gibbons and Jackie George control the entire production.
The Johnny Wheeler Band Performs Live
SCA volunteer Eddie Freitas edits footage he shot during the event.
SCA staff announce door prize winners.
Deb Sundquist, former host of “Artistic Journeys”, paints a beautiful scene.
Chuck and Mud perform live.