The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

June 8, 2010

Livestock takes in $20,000 for hunger relief

By Tanner Kent

ST PETER — A little rain didn’t dampen the generosity during Livestock on Saturday at Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter.

The free, day-long event that featured more than 20 bands — including nationally acclaimed Jason Gray, who hails from Pemberton — raised more than $20,000 for World Vision.

World Vision is an international hunger relief organization in which donors purchase actual livestock that are delivered to needy villages around the globe, along with training on how to use the animals as a sustainable source of food and income.

The last two events raised $10,000 combined, but organizers decided this year to expand the event with a larger venue, a 5k run, more bands, more activities and — hopefully — more attendance.

“It was awesome, just awesome” Jill Hass said, “even though it rained.”

Hass said that when organizers counted donations on Saturday night, they tallied $19,000. When she woke up Sunday morning, however, there was a voicemail awaiting on her phone from someone wanting to donate another $1,000.

Hass said that businesses and sponsors covered the costs of the event, so all proceeds will go directly to World Vision.

The Hass family started the event with a a group of friends after Jill and her husband were left jobless. Hardly able to pay the bills and relying on the support of friends and family, Jill and her husband, Alex, decided to hold a celebration of the abundance Americans so often take for granted.

The first two events were held in the Hass’ backyard before expanding this year.

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