What if a night of bidding paddles and community spirit could erase childhood hunger? That’s exactly what happened in Duncan! Witness how local heroes came together for the annual Food 4 Kids Auction, transforming generosity into hope for hundreds of students. You won’t believe the impact they made.
The annual Food 4 Kids Auction recently orchestrated a monumental effort to combat the pervasive challenge of childhood hunger solutions within the community, successfully rallying residents to contribute to a vital cause. This significant community fundraising event underscored a collective determination to ensure no child in the region goes without essential sustenance, transforming a Friday evening into a powerful demonstration of collective care and generosity.
Held at the picturesque Duncan Golf and Tennis Club, the evening featured both live and silent auctions, creating an atmosphere of lively bidding and shared purpose. Attendees enthusiastically raised their paddles, vying for a diverse array of items, all in service of a singular, impactful goal: to provide meals and vital educational support for children throughout the upcoming year, directly addressing the critical issue of food insecurity.
Central to the initiative is the poignant motto, “learning begins when hunger ends,” a stark reminder of the intrinsic link between nutrition and academic success. This Food 4 Kids Program operates against a backdrop of sobering statistics, revealing that approximately one in four children in Oklahoma experience hunger, making local Oklahoma charities like this indispensable in fostering a healthier, more productive future for its youth.
Duncan Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Kelly Arnold eloquently welcomed the assembled guests, extending heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated sponsors whose contributions were pivotal to the event’s success. She also recognized the presence of various state and local dignitaries, along with committed board and committee members, all united in their commitment to this crucial cause.
Lisha Elroy, the esteemed Principal of Duncan High School, shared a deeply personal connection to the program, having served on its committee for nearly 13 years. Her extensive experience as an educator in Stephens County provided a poignant insight into the stark realities of hunger in classrooms, where “bright, eager students struggle to focus… because their stomachs are empty.”
Principal Elroy vividly recounted witnessing the immense relief and joy on children’s faces upon receiving a backpack brimming with food, knowing they could avoid going to bed hungry. Through the “Backpack for Kids” program and high school pantries, a staggering 440,189 bags of food have been distributed, transforming mere provisions into tangible hope and ensuring children can enjoy weekends and holidays free from the ache of hunger.
Dr. Channa Byerly, Superintendent of Duncan Public Schools, further reinforced the sentiment, commending everyone for their unwavering commitment to supporting the community’s children. Her words highlighted the profound collective impact made by those who continually show up to make a tangible difference in young lives.
The evening’s success was greatly facilitated by the professional expertise of Todd Robinson, auctioneer of Land Pros, alongside Kenny Baker from Marlow, Ruby Miller, and Madison Punneo. Their collective efforts ensured the smooth progression of the auction, efficiently selling items that directly benefited the children targeted by these vital hunger relief efforts.
