On Saturday, November 2, FMSC supporters came together at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis for an unforgettable night of generosity and purpose. Our sold-out Gala raised more than $1.3 million to help feed children and families around the world. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked CEO Mark Crea’s final FMSC Gala before his retirement in spring 2025. Together we celebrated the powerful work God is doing through FMSC, Mark’s two decades of leadership and our shared commitment to saying YES to a hunger-free world.

“People misunderstand that poverty is two ways”

We were honored to have Beatrice Williamson from Maisha Project in Kenya join us as a featured guest. Maisha Project feeds more than 2,000 children with FMSC meals every day, and Beatrice spoke about the importance of the food FMSC provides in her community.

"When I first came to the United States, I thought I was in heaven on Earth," Beatrice said. "Food was plenty! But I was sad that people around me had so much abundance but did not know."

Beatrice challenged us to think about poverty in a new way: "I think people misunderstand that poverty is both ways," she said. "Poverty of lack and poverty of abundance. You have enough — but it’s still not enough."

In her community, like so many around the world, MannaPack® meals are saving lives. "Yes, we know that [FMSC food] takes however many dollars to send," she said. "But to so many families, we cannot put a price to this — it is saving lives. When a life is saved, how do you price that?"

"In my community, we have truly turned hunger into hope," she said. "And when you have hope, you can finally plan for a tomorrow."

She left with a powerful final request: "If God has blessed you with enough, please continue to extend the table. On behalf of the people of my village, thank you."

Honoring Mark Crea’s legacy

Over the past 20 years, Mark has led FMSC with the unwavering mission to feed God’s children, inspiring so many of you to join in saying YES to feeding kids. His leadership has been nothing short of transformational. Under Mark’s guidance, FMSC has grown tremendously, always with Christ at the center.

Incoming CEO J.J. Slag closed with a prayer from Isaiah 58:10–11, “Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness. The darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually.” J.J. thanked God that the vision of the night was rooted in His Word and prayed that each day we might say YES to God’s call, extending His love by feeding His children around the world in Jesus' name.

For more details on the CEO transition, please visit fmsc.org/ceo.

Thank you for saying YES

This Gala was a powerful reminder of what happens when we say YES. Hope starts with food — and together we are are building into hope around the world. Thank you to everyone who made this night — and so much more — possible. Your YES is making a difference for kids and families around the world.