Edfest

Gather your friends and family and head to the second annual EdFest—an evening of live music from local bands and the best food, beer and wine in town. It’s not just a fun night out, it’s a way to raise money for Edmond Mobile Meals, a local nonprofit serving nearly 1,000 people each week who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

Edmond Mobile Meals has been providing meals for homebound elderly and disabled Edmond residents for 40 years. The dedicated staff and team of 350 volunteers work diligently to prepare and deliver hot, nutritious meals daily to the residents in the program – often providing the only caring interaction they receive during the day.

“Edmond Mobile Meals provides more than food for our clients. We bring friendship, hope and a sense of security to their lives,” said Piper Riggs, Edmond Mobile Meals Executive Director. “There are many people in our community who have to choose between keeping the lights on, paying for medication or buying food. They are our friends and neighbors, and we believe no one should have to make that choice.”

Working toward their mission, Edmond Mobile Meals has set out to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. And now they’re asking for your help.

Serving almost 200 meals per day isn’t an easy task. To meet the increasing needs and costs of the program, Edmond Mobile Meals board members, volunteers and staff developed an exciting annual fundraiser that aligns with their locally focused mission, EdFest. “We wanted EdFest to focus on local services and vendors because we want to give back to the community that gives to us,” said Riggs. During its premiere last October, EdFest raised $26,000 to help cover program costs with more than 250 in attendance. This year, with the addition of more family-focused activities, they are hoping for an even larger crowd.

“EdFest is our biggest fundraiser of the year, but, it’s more than that. It’s a chance for us to raise awareness about Edmond Mobile Meals among the entire community,” said Riggs. “With this event, we are able to reach a part of the community that might not be too familiar with our program including those people who can’t volunteer or use our services.”

Spend the night listening and dancing to popular, family-friendly covers and original music from local blues and jazz band Souled Out.

The party doesn’t stop there. Guests 21 and older will be able to delight in local craft beers and wine from Tall Grass Brewing Co., Bricktown Brewery, Shiner and Mustang Brewing Company. The drinks are free, but any donations will go directly to Edmond Mobile Meals. “For just $5.15, you could sponsor a meal for one of our residents in need; for $25, they could eat for a week,” said Riggs.

Food trucks—including Roxy’s Ice Cream Social, The Meat House, Truckburger, 2 Brothers Bistro, Crepe Brewers and Mim’s Baker—will be lined up ready to serve guests their favorite local cuisine. And that’s not it. Children will have a section all to themselves. Bounce houses, balloons, face painting and more will also be available to entertain the younger crowd.

Admission is free, and all proceeds from the event will support Edmond Mobile Meals.

EdFest will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014, from 6 to 10pm at the Edmond Farmers Market Pavilion, 26 W First. Individual children’s activities wristbands will be available for purchase at the event for $10 per child. Monetary donations can also be made online at edfestokc.com or in person at EdFest. 

To find other ways to support Edmond Mobile Meals, visit edmondmobilemeals.org.