Johnny Holm to perform at 2022 Manna for Malawi benefit

By Dispatch staff report

April 12, 2022 06:00 PM

CROSBY — The Johnny Holm Band will perform again at the 2022 Manna for Malawi benefit fundraiser.

Manna for Malawi runs from 2-6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Bridge Tavern north of Crosby, building a “bridge” of help and hope to the people of Malawi, organizers stated in a news release.

The Johnny Holm Band has performed in Minnesota and nationwide for nearly 40 years. Holm began his musical journey in Brainerd, where he went to high school.

In addition to music, there will be pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw and chips as well as raffles and a silent auction.

Charge for the event is a freewill offering and there's free parking on site and across the highway.

“My heart was touched when I saw first hand what Manna for Malawi has done and continues to do, helping to feed and educate the orphans,” Pastor Paul Mattson said in the news release. Malawi is in southeastern Africa, one of the poorest nations in the world. Average income is less than $2 a day.

“When we were invited to help the mission 14 years ago, volunteers fed nearly four hundred children, once a week. Currently, feeding takes place six days a week and up to a thousand African orphans get their only meal of the day,” Mattson added.

Last year's event with band and food raised more than $42,000 to help feed and educate orphans. Money raised this year will go for the feeding program, farm equipment and education for orphan children. The Malawi government doesn't pay for universal education for its young people past eighth grade. Money from the fundraiser last year sent students to high school and college. The mission is also working to build a safe space for Malawi girls to protect them from forced marriages.

Manna for Malawi supports the Malawi Orphan Care Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.malawiorphancareproject.org .

Related Topics: CROSBY

By Dispatch staff report

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