Prom benefit raises more than 381K meals for Eastern Illinois Foodbank

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) – The 16th annual Prom Benefit for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, held on Saturday, raised funds to provide over 381,000 meals for individuals facing food insecurity.

According to the Foodbank, at any given time, more than 100,000 people in eastern Illinois do not have access to enough nutritious food to support a healthy lifestyle. In the past year, pantries in the Foodbank’s network saw a 90% increase in the number of neighbors being served since 2022.

The Prom Benefit was established in 2008 by community member Lorianne Bauer as a fundraiser for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. It is managed by the Foodbank alongside a committee of dedicated community members focused on alleviating local hunger.

Each year, people gather to relive or experience Prom night while fighting hunger. This year’s Mardi Gras theme offered a festive night of beads and New Orleans fun. The event featured an auction, raffle prizes, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, dancing, photo opportunities, and the crowning of the Prom King and Queen.

This year's King and Queen went to the two top fundraisers, Katie Harlan (The McDonald Group – Powered by Realty Select One) and Vilma Howard (HowardHold Insurance Group).