The Landing in Van Buren and Southeast Missouri Food Bank postponed the Float to Feed charity event to July 20 due to the swollen river levels from Hurricane Beryl’s inland downpour.
The Landing will donate 10% of the proceeds from rentals to the SEMO Food Bank. Float to Feed was formerly scheduled for July 13.
Donor Relations and Communications Manager Heather Collier explained the flooding is likely to recede by this weekend, but The Landing owner Jeremy Bedell expected a slow sales period. He speculated many will stay home even if the river is open for recreational use.
Collier clarified, “Next weekend will have more exposure.”
According to a SEMO food bank press release, the debut event generated over $2,000 last year.
“The Landing is excited to partner with the food bank and help families across our area defeat hunger,” Bedell remarked.
“We’re very grateful to The Landing for hosting ‘Float to Feed Southeast Missouri’ for two years in a row,” affirmed Sarah Garner, chief advancement officer of SEMO Food Bank.
Collier emphasized The Landing is making all the donations, and the individual participants do not need to pay for anything extra.
“It’s a great opportunity,” she stated, “All you have to do is show up and have a great day on the river.”
The press release stated the food bank serves 80,000 individuals per month and covers a 16-county area.