Lanie Kipling crawls out of an inflatable toy at Mills Park during last year's Food for Thought Saddle Up for Kids event.
Food for Thought’s Saddle up for Kids fundraiser on Friday outside the Governor’s Mansion offers all-you-can-eat barbecue by Carson City BBQ, silent and live auctions, a best hat contest and live music by Mike and the Liabilities.
The fourth annual event raises money for the eight-year-old program, which was started when one mom at Fritsch Elementary School decided to provide backpacks full of food to children living in motels to make sure they had something to eat during the weekends. The program expanded to provide some baskets full of enough food, mostly fresh produce, to feed five people.
“The fundraiser is vital to keeping our program’s doors open,” said Stephanie Gardner, executive director of the nonprofit.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with Mayor Robert Crowell as master of ceremonies. Prizes include round trip airline tickets, trips to Las Vegas and the Bay Area, concert tickets, gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates and more. There will be games and activities, including a photo booth, for children.
Tickets cost $50 for adults and $20 for kids. Tables that seat 10 can be reserved for $450.
For tickets, go to nvfoodforthought.org, or call 775-885-7770, or purchase them at the door.
For more information or to find out how to help, call Marlene or Stephanie at 775-885-7770, or email office.foodforthought@yahoo.com.