It was planned quickly and the $50,000 goal was ambitious, but there can be no doubt that the Sequim Food Bank’s inaugural “Everyone At The Table” (E.A.T.) fundraiser was a success.

The event, held Saturday, Sept. 27, raised more than $70,000.

The money will be used to support the food bank’s mission to provide food and assistance to people and organizations so that no one in the community goes hungry.

The event brought together sponsors, volunteers, local musicians, and community members for an evening of food, music, and connection. Sponsors included Soroptimist International of Sequim, Sequim Sunrise Rotary, Olympic View Church, Olympic Psychiatric Care, First Fed, Sound Community Bank and Kitsap Bank.

Sequm Food Bank gave a shout-out to volunteers who made the evening run smoothly: local chef Chris Plemmons, who captained all food coordination; Ellen Kaminsky, who orchestrated the silent auction; and Bread and Gravy, who donated their time to perform at the event.

“The support from our community is truly inspiring,” Andra Smith, the food bank’s executive director, said in a press release. “E.A.T. is more than just an event; it’s a way to bring people together around a shared commitment to ensuring everyone in our community has enough to eat. We’re energized to continue this work and explore new ways to gather ‘Everyone at the Table.’”

The Sequim Food Bank encourages anyone interested in hosting their own E.A.T. event — whether a neighborhood food drive, a fundraiser at a church, or another creative idea — to reach out and join the efforts to support local families.