An evening of great food, local talent and community generosity will come together for a special purpose on Saturday, Oct. 24, when Morgan’s Place Cemetery hosts its annual Food for the Soul event at Winners Barn at 7317 State Route 47, DeGraff.

Food for the Soul offers the community a chance to enjoy a night out while making a meaningful difference for families experiencing the loss of a baby.

Those wishing to attend should make plans soon, as Oct. 10 is the final day to purchase tickets. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children and include dinner, drinks, dessert, the concert and the auction.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.morgansplacecemetery.org under the Events section or by calling or texting Mollie at (937) 726-9988.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Oct. 24, and guests will have something special to watch from the very beginning. Local artist Marcie Stammen will create a painting live on center stage throughout the evening. The completed piece will then be auctioned, giving guests the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind work of art.

The night will be filled with live music as well. Jason Jenkins and Jenna Drees will perform from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by pianist Marie Daugherty from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Later in the evening, Isaac Buschur will take the stage beginning at 7 p.m.

Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and catered by Lesli Huelskamp. The fun will continue with a raffle and a 50/50 drawing, followed by an auction featuring quilts, Marcie Stammen’s live painting, and handcrafted wood items made by local artisans. The auction will be led by Kyle Andrews of Andrews Auction Service LLC.

At the heart of the event is the mission of Morgan’s Place Cemetery, located near Sidney at 1254 State Route 589, a nonprofit organization that walks alongside local families following miscarriage and stillbirth.

Morgan’s Place provides burial plots, caskets, burial gowns, grave markers, miscarriage kits, grief support, keepsakes and aftercare boxes—all at no charge to families. Through the generosity of donors and the community, families can receive this care and support during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

This year’s premiere sponsor is Knapke Kitchen and Baths, whose generous support is helping make the evening possible. Bernie and his family know personally the heartbreak that comes with the loss of a baby. Those experiences have given Bernie a special connection to our mission and a heart for supporting families in our community who have walked a similar road.

That same heart is going into the new Marion Center at Morgan’s Place. Knapke Kitchens & Baths is designing and building the cabinetry, kitchenette, and family gathering area. The Marion Center is scheduled to be completed later this fall.

Special thanks to additional sponsors: Doug’s Lawnmowers, Greg and Priscilla Wilt, Bill and Teresa Anderson, Justine O’Flynn, Alan and Renee Winner, K.B. Design and Consulting, Lesli Huelskamp and Natures Custom Scapes. If you would like to be a sponsor for our event there is still time.

Morgan’s Place is proud to be supported by P.O.W.E.R. , a Shelby County United Way organization.