Derby Charity Soirée Supports Louisville Families Facing Weekend Hunger
- Information VOICE_TRIBUNE
- 34 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Kathryn Harrington
Louisville’s food insecurity doesn’t always look the way people expect. Children may eat well during the week at school but go without on weekends. Parents juggling multiple jobs can struggle to keep groceries in the house. That’s where the Young Nonprofit Foundation (YNPF) steps in with its Weekend Warrior Food Program (WWFP), providing families with the groceries they need when other support falls short.
This year, the foundation is turning the spotlight on the issue with its Derby Charity Soirée, a fundraising event designed to combine art, fashion, and community spirit while supporting families in need. “We’re hoping the Soirée raises money and starts real talk about hunger in our community,” says Anthony Young, founder of YNPF. “It’s a chance to bring people together in a fun, meaningful way. Because when people truly understand the need, that’s when they step up and help.”
The Soirée promises an upscale evening of “Charitable Art,” with live performances, free food and drinks, and an atmosphere of celebration with purpose. Every dollar raised will go directly toward the Weekend Warrior Program, which helps thousands of children each year access groceries on weekends.
Weekend Warrior works by partnering with local preschools, schools, churches, and other trusted community spots. Families fill out a short survey so the program can reach neighborhoods with the greatest need. “We supply real groceries on the weekends to allow families to use those funds on other necessities such as clothes, gas, and utility bills,” explains Jacque Young, COO of YNPF. She recalls a teacher and single mother of four who said the program helped her worry less about food, so she could focus on rent and other essentials. “It really hit home that this is about more than just meals,” Jacque says.
The program’s impact is just filling stomachs. “If the thread of regular meals starts to unravel, all the others begin to fray too,” Jacque says. Weekend Warrior strengthens that thread, supporting children’s focus in class, parents’ peace of mind, and overall family stability.
Running a program like Weekend Warrior comes with challenges. YNPF relies heavily on volunteers and strong local partnerships. “It’s just a handful of us here, and we’re fueled mostly by amazing volunteers…friends and neighbors, who step up week after week,” Anthony Young says. But the payoff is clear: steady, reliable help for families who need it most.
Looking ahead, YNPF plans to expand its reach through a free grocery store and a fleet of mobile food vans to deliver support directly to neighborhoods. But it all starts with awareness and community involvement. “Every bit of help counts,” Anthony says. Donations, volunteering, or sharing the story of Weekend Warrior all help families thrive.
The Derby Charity Soirée is the perfect opportunity to do just that. So come on out and enjoy an evening of art, music, and celebration while supporting Louisville families! By attending, guests become part of the solution, ensuring that Weekend Warrior can continue providing critical food support to children and parents when they need it most.