Blessings in a Backpack Waukesha County Chapter’s Bridge the Gap gala raised over $165,000 to help support its mission of providing food on the weekends for school-aged children who might otherwise go hungry.

“We had record attendance at the gala, and it was an amazing evening because there was such an outpouring of generosity and support,” said Susan Reed, managing director at Blessings in a Backpack Waukesha County Chapter. “For $175, you can feed a child on the weekends for the entire school year.”

The Bridge the Gap gala was presented by Bank Five Nine and featured dinner, silent and live auctions, and opportunities to donate to Blessings in a Backpack.

Vince Vitrano, host of Wisconsin’s Morning News on 620 WTMJ, was the evening’s master of ceremonies. John Wahlen of Cornerstone Development was the honorary chair of the event, and Mike Elliot, principal at Hadfield Elementary School in the Waukesha school district, was the keynote speaker.

Three awards were given to recognize dedicated supporters and volunteers. VJS Construction Services was honored with Blessings in a Backpack’s Champion for Children–Corporate Award, and The Mallinger Family Foundation was honored with the Champion for Children–Foundation Award. The Regina Estrada Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Diane Voit.

It is estimated that more than 11,000 school-aged children in Waukesha County are food insecure. Blessings in a Backpack’s goal is to feed 3,400 students in six school districts with weekend food every Friday.

“There’s a significant gap between the number of children who need food over the weekend and the number we currently serve. That’s why the gala and ongoing community support are so important,” said Reed. “Our goal is to expand so we can feed all 11,000 children.”