Bulls Fundraiser Hits Home Run for the Durham Community Food Pantry
On Thursday, August 14, Catholic Charities hosted its 8th annual fundraiser with the Durham Bulls, once again combining baseball with community support for neighbors in need. The warm August evening, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s before cooling into the mid-70s, provided a classic summer setting at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
The Bulls fell 7–2 to the Nashville Sounds, but the loss on the field did not overshadow the success in the stands from the dedicated group who purchased tickets in support of Catholic Charities, helping raise funds for the Durham Community Food Pantry. For those participants, the game was about more than baseball, it was an opportunity to give back.
“This is our moment for community to come together and enjoy a fun night at the ballpark and fuel the Durham Community Food Pantry,” said Jeremy Ireland, Piedmont Regional Director. “Eighty percent of our pantry’s food is donated, and last year we served 80,000 individuals. We continue growing, and our gratitude runs deep to everyone who came out and supports us each year. This tradition means everything and we hope to see you next year.”
Longtime volunteer Susan Clifton, who leads Wednesday evening distributions at the pantry and coordinates monthly mobile pantries in Hillsborough, attended the game with her husband Tom. “I’m here with my husband Tom, and we came out tonight because we think it is an important cause to help support finically. We also wanted to raise awareness for the need for food at the pantry. We want to do anything we can to make sure the shelves are stocked,” she said.
For eight years, this partnership with the Durham Bulls has offered Catholic Charities supporters a chance to enjoy one of Durham’s best-known traditions while making an impact on food insecurity. Everyone who has supported this event has carried a big message, when the community comes together, families across Durham have a better chance at accessing the nutritious food they need.
