FORTVILLE — It was a dilemma: Cancel a fundraiser to feed hungry people, not wanting to gather a group during a pandemic? Or press on with the event, knowing that same pandemic has deepened the very need they work to address?
Organizers of the annual Harvest of Talents chose the latter. But they’ve also made some changes to this year’s event, hoping to promote safety while continuing their work to support nutrition programs globally.
The event, which includes a car show and a sale of furniture, crafts and other items, is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at Fortville Christian Church. It raises funds to support feeding programs globally through International Disaster Emergency Service.
With so many other events canceled this year, “We thought maybe people would like to get out and support a cause,” said organizer Brenda Ayers. “Their need for food is even greater than ever.”
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IDES plans to spend about $190,000 this year to help 11 projects, said Randy Jones, project manager with the ministry in Noblesville.
Those 11 programs happen in five countries: Haiti, India, Kenya, Myanmar and Tanzania. Some of the programs target hunger in general, and some are nutrition-based — “trying to get the kids to eat more than just rice or bread,” Jones said, referring to staple foods that fill stomachs but don’t generally deliver the vitamins and minerals a body needs.
More than half of those programs serve orphanages, he said. Others help communities, particularly widows and the elderly.
For some countries, the pandemic and related quarantines add to a backdrop that was already tough, such as for farmers in Kenya who’ve faced drought for so long. In India, day laborers who were already eating from each day’s wage cannot get out and earn that wage amid an extended lockdown.
“There’s always going to be a need, but I’m concerned with some of these places that the need is actually going to be greater,” Jones said.
Add to that the potential difficulties for churches in having a Harvest of Talents event — Fortville Christian has been one of seven churches raising money for IDES feeding programs through such an event — and it’s possible there might be decreased funds to meet that increased need. Jones said he fully understands the need for safety, and he’s glad that some IDES donors have realized the need and given generously, but “I’m a little nervous how this is going to work out.”
At Fortville, organizers pushed Harvest of Talents from September to October. The breakfast and live auction have been canceled. The lunch is on, but it will be takeout. The bake sale is on, but it will be limited to what can be made in the church kitchen.
The car show, an outdoor facet of the event, is back. It drew more than 30 entries in 2019, its first year. Ayers said planners of the event have already visited some other area car shows with information about the Harvest of Talents car show.
Fortville Christian’s Harvest of Talents raised $11,300 during its first year (2017). Amid a downpour in 2018, the event brought in $10,475. In 2019, it raised more than $14,000.
Knowing it will be hard for some to come this year, Ayers hasn’t put forth a goal for this year’s event.
“Any amount will help. That’s why we decided to go ahead and have it — it’s needed so badly,” Ayers said. “People are quarantined, and they can’t get out.
“Every dime we make goes to buy food for people that need it.”
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Harvest of Talents is an art, craft and food festival set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at Fortville Christian Church, 9450 N. County Road 200W, Fortville. Those who go are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.
The event, so named because it encourages church members to offer their talents to produce a good or service to help raise money for hunger relief, is in its fourth year at the church.
The sale includes tables, art, home decor, quilts, fall and Christmas decorations, shelves with coat hooks, Christmas ornaments, several refinished benches and other items. Silent auctions are also planned.
Pulled pork sandwiches will be available for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., packaged for takeout with baked beans and chips.
Car show registration is from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration fee is $20. Awards will be given at 3 p.m.
All proceeds from the event will go to International Disaster Emergency Service, a Noblesville-based ministry offering feeding programs and disaster relief in various countries. Fortville Christian is one of several churches who raise money specifically for the feeding programs.
Information: 317-485-4934, fortvillechristian.com
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