Menomonie's bEAT Concert Hits the Right Notes for Hunger Relief

Menomonie, WI - A free concert in Menomonie's Wilson Park on Saturday aimed to not only entertain the community but also address a pressing issue - food insecurity. The 3rd annual bEAT Concert featured live music, food trucks, and drink vendors, all while encouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food items to support the Stepping Stones Dunn County Food Pantry.

Harmonizing Community Support and Hunger Relief

Celebrating the Holiday Weekend with a Charitable Twist

The bEAT Concert was designed to be a festive celebration of the holiday weekend, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy live music, delicious food, and refreshing beverages. However, the event organizers recognized the importance of using this platform to give back to those in need. By encouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food items, the concert became a way to simultaneously celebrate and contribute to the local community.Corrisa Andrashko, an organizer with Stepping Stones, explained the event's dual purpose, stating, "I know a lot of businesses downtown are running different specials, and then pop on over, do some music, grab some drinks, eat some food, and then you can even stay at Wilson Park and watch the fireworks afterwards." This holistic approach allowed attendees to enjoy the festivities while also making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Stepping Stones' Matching Donation Initiative

To further incentivize and amplify the community's generosity, the Sunshine Learning Center in Menomonie announced that it would match for every pound of food donated during the bEAT Concert. This initiative not only encouraged attendees to contribute more, but it also demonstrated the collective commitment of local organizations to support the Stepping Stones Food Pantry and its mission.The Sunshine Learning Center's matching donation program was a strategic move that leveraged the excitement and energy of the bEAT Concert to drive even greater impact. By doubling the value of each donation, the program ensured that the food and monetary contributions would have a more substantial and far-reaching effect on the community's food security efforts.

Uncommon Denominator's Musical Contribution

At the heart of the bEAT Concert was the live music performance by the cover band Uncommon Denominator. The band's energetic and engaging set list provided the perfect backdrop for the event, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that complemented the charitable nature of the occasion.The choice of Uncommon Denominator as the featured musical act was a strategic one, as the band's diverse repertoire and crowd-pleasing covers were likely to appeal to a wide range of attendees. By providing high-quality entertainment, the organizers ensured that the bEAT Concert would be an enjoyable experience for all, further encouraging participation and support for the Stepping Stones Food Pantry.

Fostering Community Engagement and Awareness

The bEAT Concert was more than just a fundraising event; it was an opportunity to bring the community together and raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity. By hosting the event in a public space like Wilson Park, the organizers made it accessible and inviting for people of all backgrounds to attend and contribute.The combination of live music, food vendors, and the charitable component created a unique and engaging experience that encouraged attendees to not only enjoy the festivities but also reflect on the importance of supporting their neighbors in need. This holistic approach to community engagement helped to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility, ultimately strengthening the bond between the people of Menomonie and the Stepping Stones Food Pantry.