On Saturday, August 27 at the Wellman Parkside YMCA, Mid-Prairie held its annual Feed the Kids Dinner and Auction.

Each year, young children suffer from food insecurity, and nine years ago the Mid-Prairie Community School District saw an opportunity to support its students.  Local businesses and community members are asked to donate items and food to the dinner where it will be auctioned off. The money goes towards feeding hundreds of students in the school district throughout each year.

Before the dinner, items like quilts, gift baskets, apparel, and décor were bid on in a silent auction.  While patrons enjoyed their dinners, a teaser auction of a bowl of tapioca pudding sold for the high bid of $250.  After dessert, the live auction began in earnest.

Businesses and community members donated at different sponsor levels: Bronze for $50-$149; Silver for $150-$299; Gold for $300+. Each business/person was recognized at the dinner and received a Feed the Kids 2022 Sponsor Certificate.

Last year, Feed the Kids added the Mid-Prairie Emergency Fund for when non-food needs arise in the school district. There are for times when kids need more than food, such as essential items and clothing. These funds are kept separate from the money raised for food.

Over the past few years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to reach out and support your community. Although Washington County is not as large as others, we still face many of the same issues.

One great thing about the Washington county area is its innate ability to rise up and support others in times of need. Dinners and auctions like Mid-Prairie Feed the Kids happen throughout the year, from church fundraisers to regular community events. Sometimes all it takes to find out is to look at your local newspaper.