Rondout Valley Food Pantry Gala & Silent Auction

This fun-filled evening with live music from the Jim Decker Band, hors d’oeuvres and beverages catered by the Blackboard Bistro of Cottekill, swag bags for adults and kids, plus plenty of items to bid on, and all for a good cause, will be held 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Rondout Municipal Building, 1915 Lucas Ave., Cottekill. “We wanted to keep it affordable for everyone, and we didn’t think it appropriate to have a big, expensive catered meal to support food insecurity,” said Susan Bruck, president of the Rondout Valley Food Pantry. Bruck kept this in mind across the board, as the varied and extensive silent auction has bids starting at under $10. Auction items include everything from local ceramics donated by Butterfield’s Pottery right on up to Caribbean vacation packages. “The response has been amazing from individuals and local and nationwide businesses,” said Bruck. “It is this spirit of giving that keeps the pantry going.” Serving over 100,000 meals per year, the Rondout Valley Food Pantry has been around for 27 years. It is run entirely by volunteers and currently has five meal programs, including three specifically for children. They have outgrown their current building and are looking to expand their space so that they can house their current programs and add storage and office spaces. Ticket sales will go toward this endeavor, and auction proceeds will go to the RVFP general fund. Tickets at $10 per person include live music and refreshments.  Call 626-7567 or visit rvfoodpantry.org for more information.