15th annual Prom Benefit for Eastern Illinois Foodbank raises more than 350,000 meals

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The 15th annual Prom Benefit for Eastern Illinois Foodbank, presented by Martinelli’s Market, raised more than 350,000 meals for those in need.

The event was held on Saturday, March 2 at I Hotel & Conference Center.

In the past year, the Foodbank has seen an average of 40% increase in need in the communities they serve.

The two top fundraisers, Holly Birch Smith (Holly Birch Photography) and Johny Santiago (York Public Adjusters), were crowned Prom Queen & King.

This year’s Harrington Law Prom Court raised nearly $54,000 and also included: Abby Dixon (Hoss McClellan at Keller Williams), Bailey Parks-Moore (Eastern Illinois Foodbank), Lindsay Quick (Campus Ink), Jason Curtiss (CIBM Bank), Colin DeCair (Midland States Bank), and Kristian Gallivan (Adams Outdoor Advertising).

The Prom Benefit was founded in 2008 by local community member Lorianne Bauer as a fundraiser for Eastern Illinois Foodbank and is managed by the Foodbank and a committee of community members committed to alleviating local hunger.

Every year, people come together to relive Prom night or experience it for the first time, all while helping fight hunger.

The event featured raffle prizes, heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts, dancing, an open bar, photo opportunities, and crowning the Prom King & Queen.