PFIC Halloween Benefit Bash

On Sunday, October 29, The Providence Food Insecurity Collective (PFIC) organized a charity benefit concert to raise money for the recently opened Rhode Island Food Bank. The event took place at Askew, a bar and lounge located just a five-minute walk from Gaebe Commons at 150 Chestnut Street. Doors opened at 6:30 p.m., and music started at 7 p.m. Tickets were $15 for the public and $10 for JWU students. All ticket proceeds were donated to Your Neighborhood Food Pantry. The night featured performances by five pop-punk bands from various parts of New England, including Bare Cove, Indelego, Shortwave, JVK, and Superposition. Each band delivered passionate performances, keeping the crowd energized throughout the night. Some even surprised the audience with spontaneous songs, adding to the overall excitement. 

Beyond the musical performances, guests had the opportunity to savor food and beverages, browse band merchandise, and play games. The photo booth captured memorable moments, and the pool table offered friendly competition. African Mastiff dog Lilly even joined in on the fun, greeting those who walked by her. The costume contest added a challenge, with first, second, and third-place winners earning gift cards to Feast & Fettle, Ellie’s Bakery, and Plant City. In total, the Halloween Benefit Bash successfully raised over $300 for a noble cause, a significant step towards making a positive impact. The event brought together talented performers and the community of Providence, demonstrating the power of collective support. 

Vice President of PFIC, Ashlynn, joined the club when it began back in 2021. The club’s early initiatives involved encouraging students to donate leftover meal swipes at the end of the week and providing meals to local food pantries and community fridges. This worked to minimize food waste and help those in need. In February, they hosted their first annual benefit concert, supporting the non-profit organization, PVD Period. It focused on distributing free, organic, and sustainable menstrual products in the Rhode Island community. To show your support for PFIC and Your Neighborhood Food Pantry, consider donating to their upcoming Thanksgiving Food Drive by donating non-perishable items such as boxed stuffing, canned gravy, canned cranberry sauce, boxed mashed potato flakes, canned yams, boxed cake mix, canned corn, or canned string beans. For more details, please visit their website. https://www.ynfp.org/