More than 1,300 food-insecure children across Northern Kentucky get a meal each week because of GO Pantry, and the nonprofit's biggest fundraiser of the year is coming Saturday, August 22, to Turfway Park Racing and Gaming in Florence.

The fourth annual Party for a Purpose runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at 7500 Turfway Road. The event helps GO Pantry stock its shelves as kids in Fort Mitchell, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, and other Kenton County communities head back to school this fall.

Local 12 news anchor Sheila Gray will emcee.

Individual tickets cost $125 and include admission, a grazing-style food menu, non-alcoholic beverages, and two drink tickets for beer, wine, or liquor. The menu features sliders, Hot Brown bites, fajitas, chicken and waffles, and churros, among other options.

The evening skips the traditional gala format. Instead, guests browse silent auction packages, try party games, enter a bourbon raffle, and hit a photo booth.

"Behind every game, every auction item, and every conversation is a child who does not need to wonder where their next meal will come from because this community chose to show up and help," Beth McIntire, GO Pantry co-founder and executive director, said in a statement to the NKY Tribune.

GO Pantry started in 2012 when a group of friends collected food for seven children at one school. It now serves more than 100 schools in six counties, according to the organization. The fundraiser has generated more than $100,000 in net revenue each of the past three years, with attendance topping 300 guests in 2025.

Laura Dumancic, GO Pantry co-founder and finance manager, said the event gives the wider community a chance to learn about the nonprofit's mission and support the children who rely on it.

How to get tickets

Registration, raffle tickets, and silent auction bidding open Monday, August 17, at goparty26.givesmart.com or by texting GOPARTY26 to 76278. Supporters who cannot attend can still bid on auction items and enter raffles; winners do not need to be present.

For more information or to volunteer, visit gopantry.org.