The Central New York TomatoFest started 25 years ago as a way for festivalgoers to have fun and at the same time help feed the hungry. The two-day festival, which opened Saturday and ends today at Emerson Park on Owasco Lake, still offers the same recipe for blending good times and the opportunity to help those in need. It’s...
The Central New York TomatoFest started 25 years ago as a way for festivalgoers to have fun and at the same time help feed the hungry.
The two-day festival, which opened Saturday and ends today at Emerson Park on Owasco Lake, still offers the same recipe for blending good times and the opportunity to help those in need.
It’s a mixture that has proven successful over the years. TomatoFest has raised some $275,000 and collected thousands of canned goods since its inception, according to organizers.
Today, a full day of activities – from arts and crafts to live music to a golf ball drop with a $5,000 cash prize -- is planned from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit several pantries that have asked for help. Last year, TomatoFest awarded $13,000 to eight pantries in Auburn and Cayuga County.
“We’re hoping to donate more than we did last year,’’ said Janice Sanders, who is co-chairing the festival with Mike Padula.
Pantry providers like Capt. Traci Cregan, of the Auburn Salvation Army, said her program used last year’s $1,912 donation to make holiday turkey meals for dozens of impoverished families.
The need has not diminished this year, Cregan said. “There are still a lot of needy families in this community,’’ she added.
Nancy Murphy, coordinator of Auburn’s Community Caring Center, echoed Cregan’s sentiments. Her program delivers boxes of free food to thousands of cash-strapped seniors and other city residents in need every year.
“Nobody’s better off now. I’m seeing people I never saw before,’’ said Murphy, whose program received $990 from TomatoFest last year.
“Before the cold season sets in we have to think about those who are less fortunate than we are. That’s what we’re all about. We want to raise awareness to the growing need in the community of the food pantries,’’ Padula said.
Cregan said the Salvation Army relies on the TomatoFest donation to get through the busy holiday season.
“It’s a huge help. Knowing we’re going to get that money makes our lives significantly easier,’’ she said.
You can reach Scott Rapp at srapp@syracuse.com or 289-4839