Pumpkins for the Pov
On September 28, we kicked off our 10th annual Pumpkins for the Pov fundraiser, raising funds for our meals program, which serves hot, nutritious meals to guests and community members.
“This might be my favorite event of the year because the community really gets involved,” said Jill Bonny, Executive Director. “It’s so heartwarming to hear that people got their Pov Pumpkin to support the work we do and the people we serve.”
People can purchase donated pumpkins for $10 from the Good Food Store, YMCA, The Trough, The Den, Rattlesnake Market, and Clearwater Credit Union (Russell St. & Brooks St. locations).
The event runs through Halloween. This year’s fundraiser will include two new events: a Pumpkin Painting Party at Draught Works and an opportunity to Guess the Weight of a Giant Pumpkin.
The Poverello hopes to sell 2000 pumpkins by Halloween, which will raise enough to provide nearly 10,000 meals for community members. The Poverello Center is known for its shelter, but its food program is the most used. Staff and volunteers serve three nutritious meals daily to anyone in need, including families who are not staying at our shelter. The sack lunch program ensures people have food while on the job and allows the Homeless Outreach Team to deliver sandwiches directly to people in need. The Food Pantry provides shelf-stable and fresh foods on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. Last year, the Poverello served 128,000 meals.
“In this harvest season, let your inner child out; buy a pumpkin, decorate it, and feed a neighbor in need,” said David Heffner, Food Programs Manager.
Meet Mathias Delp! He’s 16 and has been growing giant pumpkins right here in Missoula for eight years. This fall, he grew a behemoth!
Can you guess how much it weighs?
Your guess supports a good cause! Each guess contributes to the Poverello Center’s Pumpkins for the Pov campaign, which helps provide hot meals and food for Missoulians in need.
How it works:
- Choose 1 guess for $5 or 5 guesses for $20
- Enter your guess(es) in whole pounds
- Closest guess wins on October 30.
The prize: A chance to CARVE the GIANT PUMPKIN & $200
Guessing closes October 30th. The closest guess to the pumpkin’s official weight wins, whether over or under. If there’s a tie, we’ll choose a winner at random from the tied entries. The Poverello Center will announce the winner on its social media on October 30. All proceeds benefit the Poverello Center.
Payments for guesses are not tax-deductible; any additional gift is.
Questions? Contact Becky Douglas at 406-546-1417.
Sales Locations
Pumpkins will be available starting at the following locations:
- Good Food Store
- Rattlesnake Market
- YMCA
- The Trough
- Clearwater Credit Union (Russell St. & Brooks St. locations)
- The Den
Pumpkins with a Purpose
This program would not be possible without our sponsors’ support. Sponsorships of Pumpkins for the Pov directly help support the Pov’s Food Programs, which serve three meals per day, 365 days per year. Pumpkins for the Pov is sponsored by In2uitive Architects, Stockman’s Bank, Blackfoot Communications, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Ink Realty, SetPoint Public Relations, Flaherty Consulting, Morrison-Maierle, Kantor Law, and Marsh McLennan.
Thank you to our sponsors!