Annual Blue Jean Ball takes retro theme for MANNA's 30th anniversary

On June 1, MANNA Food Bank’s Blue Jean Ball will take over the MANNA campus along the Swannanoa River. This year’s theme, Putting it on the Table,30 Years Deep commemorates 30 years of community outreach, collaboration and service.

The annual event includes small plate grazing from more than 20 of Asheville’s food masters and a large selection of beer and wine from Empire Distributing. Culinary Sponsors include:  Chestnut, Posana, Lexington Avenue Brewery, Cucina 24, Luella’s, Carmel’s,  Rosetta’s, the Biltmore Estate, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Lobster Trap, Cantina Biltmore, DOUGH, Tupelo Honey, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Biscuit Head, Tiffany’s Bakery , Ultimate Ice Cream and more. Live music will be provided by duo Byron Hedgepeth and Mike Holstein, “The Broadcast” and “Flashback Sally”. A DJ will also be providing the top hits of the 1980s.   Dancers Christine Garvin and Diana McCall will bring their dance group for a 80s inspired piece that will become interactive. A “Not So Silent Auction” will be held simultaneously. All proceeds raised go directly to MANNA FoodBank. Prizes will be awarded for the guests with the best 1980’s “style statement” and a photo booth with 1980s props will be available for capturing the moment.

Much more than a fundraiser, this party is a collaboration of community. Dozens of businesses donate food, equipment, or labor. More than a hundred volunteers plan, build and work the event. According to MANNA Executive Director, Cindy Threlkeld “The need for food remains great in our region. Two of the sixteen counties we serve have unemployment rates near 20%. Summer vacation also brings thousands of children home to empty cupboards. School may soon be over for the summer but their hunger continues.”

The presenting sponsor for the event is: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Other key sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Clear Channel of Asheville, Empire Distributors, Harris –Teeter, Ingles Markets and Lowes Foods.

Tickets will be available May 6, through MANNA FoodBank’s website, MANNAFoodBank.org, or by calling 828-299-FOOD (3663). Tickets are $70 per person, are available in advance and are capped at 900 guests. Groups of ten can reserve a table in advance.

http://mannafoodbank.org/articles/the-14th-annual-blue-jean-ball-is-june-1st/