Moniteau Christian Ministries Center is hosting a free event for the entire community to enjoy on Sunday, Sept. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. "We are celebrating the volunteers and heroes of Moniteau County as we expand the food pantry," Frank Hensley, MCMC Board member said. "Sept. 11, 2001, called importance to entire communities coming to the aid of the suffering and needy and we intend to never forget this."
The event is taking place on the grounds of the new location at rear Latham Road, off of Buchanan Street behind Hawthorn Bank.
The evening will begin with the Girl Scouts Presentation of the Colors and several people from the community will have the opportunity to give a warm welcome and set the tone for the evening. Then a pre-show concert will be held with patriotic music played on stage by the California Community Ensemble. Since this is on Sept. 11, there will be a moment of silence to remember and then give special tribute to all of our own heroes in Moniteau County, that is, the police, firemen and emergency responders. Those honored will be served first from a menu of free hamburgers, brats and hot dogs donated by Cargill and C & R Supermarket. The Moniteau County Cattlemen's Association will be grilling the meal. Several churches in the area are bringing baked beans, chips and baked cookies for desert. The Kingdom Klowns will be ministering to all of the children with face painting and balloons.
The highlight of the evening will be around 7 p.m. during the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the new Cargill Food Pantry with the presentation of a $100,000 check from Cargill for phase 1 of the building project. Then a country music concert will be kicked off with band members Andy Knipp, Chad Murphy, Jeff Shackleford, Billy and Debbie Rader.
"There are so many people and local businesses serving to make this possible that I can't even name all the helping hands that will be present," Hensley said. "This is the kind of enthusiasm we always see with the Food Bank, Buddy Pack Program and Project Share."