History

In the late fall of 1992, Mark Paffrath (then Executive Director of Racine County Project Emergency), Steve Klinkhammer, Bill May, and Ron Schultz (Vets 21 of Racine), and Dave Popoff (George's Tavern) developed Thoughts For Food™ as a benefit to support Project Emergency. Racine County Project Emergency, now the Racine County Food Bank, is a non-profit, United Way supported organization that supplies food to residents in need in Racine County. Vets 21 of Racine had previously sponsored several food and fund raising benefits for the Racine County Food Bank and wanted to continue its efforts while allowing for greater input and support from the community. What developed was the concept of local musicians donating their "thoughts for food." This would give Racine area musicians an opportunity to showcase their talents and the community a chance to respond with food and cash donations for the Food Bank.

Thoughts For Food™ 1, held on February 27, 1993, featured twelve acts on one stage. The event was held at George's and the tavern was filled beyond capacity before the first act had finished. Admission to Thoughts For Food™ 1 was $3 and a non-perishable food item. The event raised $1,200 and 435 pounds of food. Since then, the annual event has grown in size as has the amount of food and funds contributed. This year's event will feature venues in the "River North" area of Racine.

The success of Thoughts For Food™ has always depended on the support of its volunteers. Over the past 15 years, hundreds of dedicated people and families from VVA 767, A.F.S.C.M.E. Local 67, U.A.W. Local 180, the Racine County Food Bank, and the general Racine community helped by staffing the event, distributing and collecting food contribution boxes during the month of February, photographing the event and doing the myriad other tasks that make the event successful. In addition, several hundred band members, sound and lighting techs, and other contributors to the event gave unselfishly of their time and talent.

Over its 19 years, Thoughts For Food™ has raised over $350,000 and more than 90,000 pounds of food for the Racine County Food Bank! It is truly a peaceful demonstration of caring and concern by Racine area residents! After each event, a symbolic check is presented to the Racine County Food Bank at the traditional post-event party held for the volunteers, bands, sponsors, club owners, and organizers at George's Tavern.