Jet Ski Adventure feeds Little Elm's hungry

Staff writer


The lagging economy posed no obstacle for those participating in the fifth annual Jet Ski Adventure when it came to raising funds for the Little Elm Area Food Bank.

This year the event raised more than $20,000 to benefit the food bank. Last year the event raised about $15,000.

Jet skis, boats, cars, bicycles and a few motorcycles made their way to various stops around Lewisville Lake to have their game cards punched. The punched cards were good for door prizes at Bill and Lynn Hidell's house where participants gathered for a barbecue dinner.

The menu this year included roast corn, turkey, beef, wild pig, and goat. This year's event was a culinary adventure as well.

The event is the major fund raiser for the food bank, the only organization providing a social service in Little Elm.

Five years ago the Hidells thought of the event the help the food bank. The event has grown and raises more money each year.

“I think it's amazing that the community supports us like this,” Little Elm Area Food Bank board president Abbe Patton said. “We're a growing community and people think we're an affluent community, but every place has pockets of need. There are 25 percent more people asking for food now than this time last year.”

Little Elm resident Al Leistikow became the food bank director in April this year. He replaced Virginia Berney who had been the director for a number of years.

He was pleased with the amount raised this year. “The extra demand puts a strain on the organization,” he said.

He said people also ask for other services such as help with utility bills. The food bank provides only food, but if the need is dire the food bank staff will try to find a way to meet it or refer the person to another agency that provides the service they need.

“We're overwhelmed with the support we get from the community. We appreciate their commitment and involvement. People need to know that if they're hungry we're there for them. They can come in and get what they need, “Leistikow said.

For information about donating, volunteering or obtaining help from the Little Elm Area Food Bank call 972-294-4061.