April 14, The Barn at Gibbet Hill, Groton. If there were any doubts that veteran Boston Comedian Jimmy Tingle “still has his fastball”, they were dispelled tonight, as the celebrity auctioneer had the audience of bidders cracking up as he cajoled them to bid higher and higher for a great cause: the Acton Food Pantry. His appearance tonight was part of his Humor for Humanity program to fundraise for non-profits. For decades, Tingle has appeared on many late-night shows and comedy venues, and formerly offered his humorous commentary on the weekly news show, “60 Minutes”, with his trademark skewering of hypocritical politicians. But the comedy for this crowd was clearly Boston-focused.
The Acton Food Pantry, now in its new location on Maple Street, serves 71 cities and towns, according to Executive Director Lisa Gordon, who made a point of thanking all the pantry volunteers, and asking those present to stand for applause. As for the clients, she said they love the new appointment system, where they don’t have to wait in line for food. Gordon noted results from a recent Greater Boston Food Bank report showing that forty-percent of Massachusetts households experience food insecurity, up from 37% from last year, due to rising prices from tariffs, higher fuel prices, and a reduction in SNAP benefits. The Acton Food Pantry provides food, diapers, laundry detergent, personal hygiene products, and many more necessities.
The sold-out crowd of 150 patrons enjoyed a cash bar on the deck, along with food-tasting samples from seven area restaurants: 80 Thoreau, Adelita, and Saltbox Kitchen, from Concord; Puritan and Company and Season to Taste from Cambridge; Groton’s The Barn at Gibbet Hill; and Acton’s own Silver Girl. The diners were asked to place chips in a jar to vote for their favorite dish, and chose 80 Thoreau as their favorite, featuring Chef Gavin Lambert, with his yellowfin tuna crudo combo.
Well-nourished, the diners were energized for some spirited bidding. The eight items included: A Wine and Cheese Connoisseur Package; Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson Live!; Fenway Night Out; Tour of WBUR with Tiziana Dearing; Seaport Boston Extravaganza; Harvard Square Weekend; Celtics Tickets-Incredible View, and Enchanting Cape Cod 2 Night Vacation, all scoring big donations for the Food Pantry.
The live auction concluded with Tingle wrangling straight-up donations to fund Food Pantry needs from many bidders for various amounts, including several for $5000.00, all tax-deductible. Up in the loft, people could bid from their phone on the many silent auction items put on display and organized on tables in categories such as “Food and Farm”, or “Sports and Recreation”. Counting the totals from the auction items, donations, ticket sales, and sponsorships, the night’s take was over $100,000.00.
For more information, go to actonfoodpantry.org., and be sure to look for the event in 2027.
The Acton Food Pantry is always looking for volunteers. Check the bulletin board in this and future Acton Exchange issues for ways you can help.
James Conboy writes frequently for the Acton Exchange on sports and community events.
