Community-generated and community-powered, these fundraising events are organized by generous individuals, businesses, and local groups who are passionate about supporting the White Bear Area Food Shelf. From one-of-a-kind gatherings to favorite annual traditions, each event offers a fun and meaningful way to make a difference. Whether you're interested in attending, sponsoring, or getting involved in another way, there are plenty of opportunities to support the White Bear Area Food Shelf while connecting with your community. Explore the events below and find the perfect way to join in.
Heartbeat For Hunger
August
What better way to enjoy summer than with live music on the beach? Joel Moline and Jeff Morris have been organizing fundraising events for food insecurity for over a decade. In 2025, they focused their successful Heartbeat for Hunger concert series on the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf. This live music event is quickly becomming an annual tradition for the whole community.
Food Shelf Shortest Marathon
September
Every fall a special block of White Bear Lake comes alive with laughter, stories, and the steady rhythm of footsteps as participants—from 7 months old to 94 years young—gather for the Annual Food Shelf Shortest Marathon. The “Shortest Marathon” may be brief in it's one block distance, but it’s long on heart. Gloria Carpenter began this beloved tradition in 2011 bringing together neighbors, families, and friends to support those facing food insecurity in our community. Now with Gloria, Peggy Parenteau keeps it running forward.
BEAR'ly Open
February
The BEAR’ly Open has been an annual event in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, since 2008. Founder Ken Galloway leads a group of committed volunteers. Brace yourself for a winter wonderland adventure like no other! The annual BEAR'ly Open Golf on Ice turns White Bear Lake into a frozen fairway. This frosty fun fest also includes an online auction and a pre-party the night before with live music, games and activities, tasty treats, and a cash bar. The BEAR'ly Open is an official event of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
Stamp Out Hunger
May
The White Bear Area Food Shelf partners with local U.S. Postal Service letter carriers through the National Association of Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, making it easy for residents to donate food right from their mailbox. This community-wide effort typically brings in tens of thousands of pounds of food, including a record-breaking 32,000 pounds collected in 2026. Look for the yellow bags in your mailbox in early May!
Give A Gobble
November
On the Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, local businesses and neighbors come together to provide our community with turkeys and all the essentials needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Grocery bags typically include: a frozen turkey, potatoes, onions, carrots, cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, milk, gravy mix packet, cranberry jelly, dinner rolls, and a pumpkin pie! Sponsors cover the costs for over 700 meals and volunteer during the 2-day distribution. It's a great way to give back with your team.
