Have you got your tickets? We're talking about the Party for The Pantry - March 28 (audio)

FM #1682 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1682 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Jen Johnson, Development Associate, and Bill Donavan, (Director of A/V with Stage Edge). We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Monday, March 2, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Tickets on sale for Party for the Pantry; March 28 at THE BLACK BOX

• Online bidding for silent auction items opens March 19

• Bidding for travel opportunities opens the night of

• 3 bands to provide entertainment - Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street Six

• Light food items catered by Chef Kristen Precourt, KCooks 

The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen in 

audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1682-party-for-the-pantry-03-02-26/

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Party for The Pantry page (tickets and travel auction descriptions) https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/

Sponsorships still open at link above

Raydio (Your 24/7 Local Soundtrack via the Internet) - https://localraydio.com/ 

K-Cooks LLC - https://www.k-cooks.com/

2025 Annual report of The Pantry - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FY25-Annual-Report-2-page.pdf 

Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Showcase your business at the SAFE Coalition Gala April 17, 2026

Showcase your business at the SAFE
Coalition Gala April 17, 2026

The SAFE Coalition is celebrating 10 years, and we need YOUR help making our Anniversary Gala silent auction unforgettable!

We're looking for donated items and experiences like: 

• Gift cards & gift baskets 
• Spa, salon, or wellness packages 
• Restaurant gift certificates 
• Event tickets or memberships 
• Vacation stays or travel experiences 
• Unique products from local shops 
• Art, handmade goods, or specialty items

Donate items today: https://forms.office.com/r/KwDwmnVTYY or email info@safecoalitionma.org 

As an auction donor, your contribution will be featured in our online auction prior to the event, during the event, and in our event materials, providing excellent exposure for your organization while supporting a cause that is making a real difference!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUoObq5lJMh/

The SAFE Gala Auction is going digital so that anyone, anywhere can participate

The SAFE Gala Auction is going digital
so that anyone, anywhere can participate

This year, the SAFE Gala Auction is going digital so that anyone, anywhere can participate and make a difference by bidding on items in our silent auction! 

 

Start bidding now: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safegala/items/

Not attending the gala? That's okay! You will just need to register for the auction by following these simple steps:

1. Go to the “Purchase Tickets” page

2. Select the “Silent Auction Access” package

3. Complete registration

4. Select “Set up Bidding”

5. Follow prompts Start bidding!

#safegala25 #makeadifference #onlineauction #massachusetts

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AYjS5nWGS/ 

Creative Corner Silent Auction Fundraiser - Closes April 20

Creative Corner Silent Auction Fundraiser

"Hello to our community! To help reaching our fundraising goal for our move, we are holding a virtual silent auction!  

We have talented local artist donating their work to support keeping the heart of the arts alive in Franklin!  

Click on the link to checkout the art and make a bid- https://forms.gle/nEVi2wBHpBHQAeia7

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BtPjtucRW/

Franklin Community Raises Over $31,000 for Food Assistance at 'Party for the Pantry'

From Live Music to Dream Vacations, Franklin Food Pantry’s Annual Fundraiser a Resounding Success

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides food assistance and programs in Franklin, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce it raised over $31,000 at this year’s Party for The Pantry which took place on Saturday, March 29, 2025.  The ticketed party, which took place at THE BLACK BOX, featured live music from The Pub Kings, J.P. Royer, and Matt Zajac and Friends, as well as a silent auction and numerous raffle prizes.

Franklin Community Raises Over $31,000

Sponsors for the event included: Allegra Marketing Print Mail, THE BLACK BOX, Direct Federal Credit Union, Laura and Kyle Juszczyszyn, Middlesex Savings Bank, Raydio, CR Schmall Building and Remodeling, The Baur Family, The Gendreau Family, Colonial Fence, Eagle Stainless Tube and Fabrication, Mike and Maureen Sabolinski, Elemen-Tree House, K Cooks, and Upfront Guitars.

New this year, the event featured a travel auction from AmFund Foundation, which provides fundraising travel programs to non-profit organizations, helping raise crucial funds through unique and memorable travel experiences. Party for The Pantry attendees had the opportunity to bid on eight once-in-a-lifetime vacations, including trips to Africa, Florence, Paris, Ireland, Sedona, Greece, Scotland, and Portugal. Those who were unable to attend the event but still wish to support The Pantry by purchasing travel packages can contact Julie Manninen from AmFund Foundation at julie@amfund.org.

“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community at this year’s Party for The Pantry,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “The generosity shown by our attendees, sponsors, and volunteers will enable us to continue providing vital resources to our neighbors in need.”

Fundraising events are an essential operating revenue source for The Pantry. Money raised will purchase food and personal care items, pay for the cost of programs and services, and support daily operations.

For more information on supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, or to attend an upcoming fundraising event, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. 

Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

The Party for the Pantry: online silent auction is still open

While tickets for The Party for the Pantry are SOLD OUT, the online silent auction is still open!

The Party for the Pantry:  online silent auction is still open

Anyone can bid on amazing prizes which have been generously donated from our community! 

All proceeds benefit The Pantry so bid, bid, bid! The silent auction promptly ends at 9:15 PM on March 29, 2025, during Party for The Pantry - so make sure you check back early and often!

Click here to start bidding, https://givebutter.com/c/partyforthepantry25/auction

Find out more about the silent auction and the travel auction in this episode

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/talking-all-about-party-for-pantry.html

8 Unforgettable Vacations at  Party for the Pantry Event

Franklin Food Pantry Offers Eight Unforgettable Vacations at Party for the Pantry Event - March 29

The Franklin Food Pantry is thrilled to be selected by the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) to offer exclusive travel packages for the silent auction at Party for The Pantry on Saturday, March 29, 2025. AmFund provides fundraising travel programs to non-profit organizations, helping raise crucial funds through unique and memorable travel experiences. 

Party for The Pantry attendees will have the opportunity to bid on eight once-in-a-lifetime vacations including Africa, Florence, Paris, Ireland, Sedona, Greece, Scotland, and Portugal.

8 Unforgettable Vacations at  Party for the Pantry Event

"We are excited to partner with AmFund to offer these incredible vacation packages," said Marsha Tait, Development Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "This is a unique opportunity for our supporters to experience the trip of a lifetime while making a meaningful difference in our community."

AmFund travel packages support the vital work of the Franklin Food Pantry and include the following:

• Trips valid for 3 years with no blackout dates

• 4 and 5-star accommodations

• Most packages include round-trip airfare for two from any major U.S. international airport

• Dedicated AmFund travel specialist to assist with every detail

• Options to upgrade, extend, and add travelers

A representative from AmFund will be present at Party for The Pantry to manage the trips auction and oversee all transactions. Individuals who are unable to attend Party for the Pantry but are still interested in participating in the vacation auction can contact Julie Manninen, AmFund Development Director, at Julie@amfund.org for details.

features local bands

Party for The Pantry will also host a traditional silent auction. Starting March 20, 2025, mobile bidding for auction items will be available on GiveButter. The online silent auction is open to Party for The Pantry attendees, as well as individuals not attending the event.  

Party for the Pantry takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7 PM at The Black Box in Franklin, Massachusetts. Tickets are required for the 21+ event which features local bands JP Royer, Matt Zajac, and The Pub Kings. 

Proceeds from the event will go directly to The Pantry to help fight food insecurity in our community. Purchase tickets online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

About the American Fundraising Foundation

Each year, the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) carefully chooses organizations to support through sponsorship of events, year-end grant distribution, virtual silent auctions, and other programs to raise much-needed unrestricted funds for the important mission of those organizations. AmFund currently partners with nearly 700 organizations in support of their funding needs. 

The national headquarters is in Florida and opens its training center to nonprofit organizations for lunch and learns and special programs. Its Educational Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)3 and provides professional training for Development Directors, Executive Directors, Board Members, and others leveraging more than two decades of fundraising experience. It offers expertise in a variety of topics for groups ranging in size from 12 to 1000. 

Since its inception in 1999, the AmFund Foundation has distributed more than $60 million for worthy causes. Its signature silent auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences are presented at organizations’ special events drawing admiration, praise and excitement as the entire process elevates the event in the eyes of patrons, board members and the community. 

AmFund annually donates unrestricted funds known as Golden Pear Grants, to select organizations. The Golden Pear, prominently part of AmFund’s logo, is deeply rooted in history as well as in its mission. Throughout history the pear has been honored as a sacred fruit signifying wisdom, prosperity, good health, longevity, and future happiness – all the things Amfund seeks for its nonprofit partners. For more information about AmFund, visit www.amfund.org. 

You can listen to a rescent radio interview about Party for The Pantry ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/talking-all-about-party-for-pantry.html

Party for The Pantry includes silent auction on some amazing trips

Have you purchased your Party for The Pantry tickets yet? This year we’ll have some amazing silent auction items, and we are partnering with American Fundraising Foundation - AmFund to offer exciting trip options!

Don’t miss your opportunity to bid on dream destinations, including Paris, Florence, Greece, Sedona, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Africa—all while supporting our community!

Party for The Pantry silent auction on some amazing trips

These extraordinary trips come with these incredible perks:

• Trips are valid for three years with no blackout dates

• Most include round trip airfare for two (from any major international airport in the United States)

• 4- and 5-Star Accommodations

• Dedicated AmFund travel specialist

• Options to upgrade, extend, and add additional travelers

Get your tickets before they sell out as these amazing trips to benefit The Pantry are only available at Party for The Pantry on March 29, 2025, at 7 PM at The Black Box in Franklin!

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/

9th Annual Empty Bowls Tickets on Sale for the Dinner scheduled for May 23

Get your tickets for the 9th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner! The event will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Franklin High School cafeteria from 6 to 8 pm.

The Empty Bowls Club students have been hard at work making hundreds of bowls for this upcoming community event. There will be a simple dinner of soup and bread, music from FHS students, a ceramic bowl for each attendee, and silent auction including a special work made by Rep. Jeff Roy, and more! The Pantry will also unveil preliminary findings from our current strategic planning process at the event. 

All proceeds support the Franklin Food Pantry.

Online tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for students/children 18 years old and younger.

Ticket prices increase to $25/$15 at the door on the day of the event. 

Cash or check only, please.

9th Annual Empty Bowls Tickets on Sale for the Dinner scheduled for May 23

Reminder: Silent Auction Fundraiser for Ukraine & Sunflower of Peace ends May 21

Elena Rebrina, a staff member at BFCCPS, has created two mixed media paintings and is hosting a silent auction.  As part of the Grade 7 & 8 Fundraiser to support relief in Ukraine, the silent auction will benefit the Sunflower of Peace with 100% of the proceeds.

You can visit the silent auction at https://www.32auctions.com/Sunflowers-Paintings 

The Silent Auction ends on May 21. 

DON'T miss your chance to own one of these inspiring paintings (by artist E.Rebrina) AND help innocent people of Ukraine at the same time! 100% of the proceeds will benefit Sunflower Of Peace (www.sunflowerofpeace.com)

To see detailed photos and videos of the paintings, go to Instagram: e.rebrina.art 

Sunflowers symbolize endurance, hope and unity

Silent Auction Fundraiser for Ukraine & Sunflower of Peace

Elena Rebrina, a staff member at BFCCPS, has created two mixed media paintings and is hosting a silent auction.  As part of the Grade 7 & 8 Fundraiser to support relief in Ukraine, the silent auction will benefit the Sunflower of Peace with 100% of the proceeds.

You can visit the silent auction at https://www.32auctions.com/Sunflowers-Paintings 

"Having family in Ukraine, this fundraiser is very close to my heart. I want to help innocent people in any way I can, that's why I created these 2 paintings as my artistic contribution to the cause! I named them "Hope" and "Believe", because I really believe in my heart that PEACE is the answer and I hope to make a difference…", Elena says.

Sunflowers symbolize endurance, hope and unity. In the light of recent events sunflowers became a symbol of peace for Ukraine.

Sunflowers symbolize endurance, hope and unity

Spring Fling Online Auction starts May 8, closes May 18

The Franklin Federated Church is holding a "Spring Fling Online Auction."

• Bidding begins Sunday, May 8 at 11 AM
• Bidding ends  Wednesday May 18 at 8 PM

Bidders can begin viewing items at https://www.32auctions.com/ffc2022  or by going to franklinfederated.org and clicking on the 32auctions link

Download a copy of the flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwGCsgfLAUW-KVT-TYGhNivobx9Mu1tW/view?usp=sharing

Spring Fling Online Auction starts May 8, closes May 18

Empty Bowls Silent Auction closes out at 10 PM Monday, June 21

"What's still happening? The Empty Bowls Silent Auction & an opportunity to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Let's do this Franklin!! "

@FHS_EmptyBowls @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinHS @GreaterBoston

Silent Auction =>  https://sites.google.com/view/emptybowls6/home

Shared from Twitter: -> https://t.co/iY7LxvFMuW

Empty Bowls Silent Auction closes out at 10 PM Monday, June 21

What’s still happening? The EB Silent Auction & an opportunity to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry. Let’s do this Franklin!! @FHS_EmptyBowls @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinHS @GreaterBoston https://t.co/3tOjQiAyUr pic.twitter.com/iY7LxvFMuW

— Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) June 18, 2021