The annual benefit concert Feed the Need saw hundreds of attendees last week and a record-breaking amount of donations destined to help put food on the table of Flathead Valley residents.  

Flathead Food Bank Executive Director Chris Sidmore said the organization raised over $183,000 during the Nov. 13 show, held at the Wachholz College Center. In a post on social media, Sidmore thanked the event’s sponsors, including title sponsor Toyota —which covered the cost of the event.  

“And to everyone who attended, donated, or cheered us on — we are one step closer to ensuring no neighbor goes hungry. Together, we are making a real difference,” Sidmore wrote. 

The fourth Feed the Need concert featured country singer Drake Milligan as its headliner and saw performances from Tommy Edwards and Clint Sherman. Edwards and Sherman are both past contestants of NBC’s televised singing competition “The Voice.” 

The show was emceed by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, and KGEZ owner and host John Hendricks. In between sets, they outlined the need for helping those who are food insecure in the community.  

“One out of 6 kids in the Flathead Valley go hungry every day,” Sprunger said.  

Both Sidmore and donor Lucy Smith spoke on stage as they ushered in the moment when the event reached its fundraising goal, which was $175,000. Smith, who has been involved with the benefit since its inception, spoke about why she remains a part of the concert every year.  

Smith and Rob Ridgeway both offered a combined $15,000 match for donations at Feed the Need.    

“It was our community effort and we were all giving together. To me, that is what philanthropy is ... it’s the good of all humanity — and that’s us. When we’re giving together, it’s good for every single one of us,” Smith told the crowd.  

Over the years the benefit concert has raised thousands of dollars for the nonprofit. 

Sidmore said the concert started four years ago when Sprunger won a concert with Tommy Edwards at the Jewel Basin Center through a benefit auction for CASA for Kids. She planned to use the concert as a political rally or a chance to fundraise for her campaign, but ultimately decided to give the concert to the food bank.  

Sidmore said organizing the concert was the first time he was introduced to Sprunger. The two got engaged last fall. For this reason, the concert holds a special place in their hearts. 

“It's something that we're very passionate about ... And something we want to do well into the future. So, to have that common thing is I think quite beautiful,” Sidmore said.  

The show made more than double what it typically brings in, which is usually around $70,000, according to Sidmore.  

It couldn’t have come at a more pertinent time this year, he added. With payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program going out partially or delayed, people are struggling.  

“We're already seeing over 2,000 visits to our pantry alone — and that's just one of our programs. At the start of this month we saw an extra 50 people, then the next day, we had an additional 40,” Sidmore said.  

The concert also took place about a week ahead of the nonprofit’s Thanksgiving handout, where 750 people are expected to come get a turkey and sides for the holiday dinner.  

To donate or learn more about the Flathead Food Bank, visit its website at flatheadfoodbank.org/. 

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].