Help Fight Childhood Hunger In Central MN at FACTFEST

Sometimes you come across an event and think, " This is something people need to know about.

FACT Fest is one of those events for me.

FACT FEST IS HAPPENING OCTOBER 22ND IN ST. CLOUD

FACT FEST '26 is happening October 22nd at Harvester Square in downtown St. Cloud, and yes, there will be music, food, drinks, and a silent auction. It sounds like a fun night out.

But something about this event makes it mean a little more.

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FEEDING AREA CHILDREN TOGETHER

FACT stands for Feeding...Area...Children...Together, and the organization is working right here in Central Minnesota to make sure kids have access to food.

That really hits home for me. I was actually shocked to learn that kids are hungry day and night right here in Central Minnesota.

We talk a lot about hunger, but it can be easy to think of it as something happening somewhere else. The reality is there are kids in our own communities who don't always have enough food at home, especially when they aren't getting meals at school. They don't talk about it. Their families don't talk about it. They just go without. I can't imagine how that must feel.

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WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

This is where FACT makes such a difference. FACT currently provides food support programs in 13 schools across three Central Minnesota school districts. FACT Fest is an opportunity for the community to come together and help keep those programs going. Organizers are hoping to raise between $50,000 and $75,000 through this year's event.

You can actually have a really good time at fundraisers like this. There will be live music from the very talented singer/songwriter and recording artist Michael Shynes, Tommy Vee, Kat Blue, Bennett Vee, Kurt Durrwachter, Isaac Levy, and Maggie O'Donnell.

FOOD AND FUN!

There will also be an appetizer buffet, a silent auction, and plenty of opportunities to visit with people and enjoy a night out in downtown St. Cloud.

ABOUT THE EVENT

The event runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Harvester Square, with the silent auction running from 5:30 to 8 p.m., dinner at 6 pm and music beginning at 6:30.

For me, the best part of this whole evening is knowing that the money raised is going back into our community. Think about this for a moment. When you help feed a hungry child, you're doing more than putting food in their backpack; you're giving that child one less thing to worry about.

You're giving them a better chance to concentrate in school, participate with their classmates, and simply... just be a kid!

If you're looking for something fun to do on October 22nd that can make a difference for children in our community, why not take a look at gathering your family and friends and attending FACT Fest this year.