This year, our community came together with extraordinary generosity to make It’s Spooky to Be Hungry® one of the most impactful campaigns in its 33-year history. From businesses and schools to churches, families, and first-time donors, our neighbors showed what is possible when we act together.
A Transformational $1 Million Gift
Golden Harvest Food Bank is honored to announce a transformational one million dollar gift from Rob and Pam Johnston that will strengthen and expand the impact of It’s Spooky to Be Hungry® over the next decade.
The Johnstons have long been champions of the Aiken community and have supported Golden Harvest for many years. Their gift will help ensure that families across our South Carolina counties, especially those in Aiken and the surrounding region, continue to have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.
This investment will deepen the reach of the Spooky campaign, grow awareness, and help make sure more neighbors receive the support they need throughout the year. We are profoundly grateful for the Johnstons’ generosity and their belief in the power of community to make lasting change.
A Record-Breaking Year of Community Support
Thanks to the unwavering support of local businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, and individual donors, this year’s Spooky campaign raised more than $530,000, the highest total in campaign history.
This record-breaking year comes at a time when many families are navigating increased need. The recent government shutdown created gaps and delays in support systems that thousands of households rely on, leading many neighbors to seek help for the first time.
These dollars translate into more than a million meals for families, children, and seniors across the CSRA. They reflect school drives led by passionate students, creative business fundraisers, neighborhood challenges, and an entire region rallying together to make sure no one goes hungry.
We are humbled by the outpouring of support and grateful for every act of kindness that made this possible.
Celebrating This Year’s Award Winners
Each year, It’s Spooky to Be Hungry® recognizes partners who go above and beyond to lift up this mission. We’re proud to celebrate the following award recipients:
These partners embody what Spooky is all about: neighbors helping neighbors, creativity meeting compassion, and a shared belief that hunger has no place in our community.
Business Awards
Small – Georgia: Seigler’s Karate Center
Medium – Georgia: Summer House Realty
Large – Georgia: TaxSlayer
Small – South Carolina: Kimberly Clark
Medium – South Carolina: Zeus Company
Large – South Carolina: Savannah River National Laboratory
School Awards
School Winner – Aiken County: Tall Pines STEM Academy
School Winner – Columbia County: Baker Place Elementary
School Winner – Richmond County: Belair Elementary
Neighborhood Awards
Small – Georgia: Plantation Point
Medium – Georgia: River Island
Large – Georgia: National Hills
Small – South Carolina: Spring Stone
Medium – South Carolina: Walnut Grove – Troop 1219
Large – South Carolina: Women of Woodside
Rural: Plantation Point
Agency Awards
Georgia Agency Partner Award: Beulah Grove Community Resource Center
South Carolina Agency Partner Award: Mt Beulah Baptist
Partner Awards
Outstanding Youth Partner Award: Elliana Smith – Waters Edge Dr / Woodlake Dr
Outstanding Media Partner Award: FOX54 News
Outstanding Partner Award: Bailey’s Comfort Service
Outstanding Partner Award: Savannah River National Laboratory
Outstanding Partner Award: Summer House Realty
Women of Woodside Costume Contest Winners: Deidre Pettinga (Most Eye-Catching),Tracy Borders (Most Representative of the Spooky Campaign)
Evelyn Browne Spirit Award
Rob and Pam Johnston
This year reminded us that when our community comes together, the impact is immediate and meaningful. Whether you donated, volunteered, hosted a drive, spread the word, or participated for the very first time — your involvement made a difference for families across our 24-county service area.
Thank you for making this a record-breaking year for It’s Spooky to Be Hungry®. Your generosity helped ensure that, even in a season of uncertainty, our neighbors had somewhere to turn.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This campaign would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Your partnership helps ensure families across the CSRA have access to the food they need throughout the year.
Thank you to:
