Mary H. Schlitt, Director of Development and Marketing of Food Gatherers, invites all Zingerman’s friends to come to Grillin’:

Want a glimpse of what Food Gatherers does on a daily basis? Go to Grillin’! Grillin’ is Food Gatherers annual fundraiser, held always the second Sunday of June (rain or shine). Just like our food rescue and food bank program, Grillin’ is a gathering of community goodwill; made possible by good food, caring volunteers and engaged donors. There’s the:

Food! Many of the tasty side dishes and desserts you will see at Grillin’ are donated by local restaurants and distributors who support Food Gatherers food rescue program on a daily basis. Founded by Zingerman’s Deli in 1988, Food Gatherers was the first food rescue program in Michigan and among the first six in the United States. Today, Food Gatherers distributes more than 5 million pounds of food to 150 non-profit programs serving our neighbors in need.

Volunteers! Those friendly faces who will be grilling your sausage, setting up the event and playing some groovy music onstage are volunteers; they are the passion and power behind your Grillin’ experience. These event volunteers are just a small sample of the nearly 6,000 individuals who donate their time to Food Gatherers operations annually.

Donors! From the sponsors to the Grillin’ guests, and to the food donors and silent auction donors; there are hundreds of folks who help ensure that most of the funds raised from Grillin’ fight hunger in our community. You can get involved! By purchasing just one adult ticket to Grillin, you can provide up to 120 meals for the 1 in 7 adults – and 1 in 6 children- who struggle with hunger in Washtenaw County. Food Gatherers exists because of the caring and generosity of many individuals in the community!

So slather on some sunscreen, bring a friend and your appetite, and we’ll save a seat for you! Grillin’ for Food Gatherers is Sunday, June 10 from 3-8PM at Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds. In addition to great food, there will be live music from George Bedard and the Kingpins, The Appleseed Collective and Back Forty,kids activities, a food-inspired silent auction – it’s the best party of the year! Purchase tickets online now or at ticket sale locations: Zingerman’s Deli, Bakehouse or Roadhouse; Saline Picture Frame Co. and Dexter Picture Frame Co. or call 734-761-2796.