It was a packed house at the History Boy Theatre in Jefferson for the first-ever “Rock the ARC” talent show this past Sunday.

Essie Kowaleski is with the Monica’s Ministry who put on the event and says they raised $3,756 to donate to the local food pantry, Greene County Action Resource Center.

She states that they had 12 acts at their show which included people from all ages that sang songs, danced, performed poetry and there was a speaker about the need for food donations all over Iowa.

Plus, Kowaleski adds that they had generous support from their sponsors as well.  They had 17 sponsors who gave $25, nine that donated $50, six individuals and businesses gave $100 and five gave more than $100.

She talks about her daughter, Vicky Gliem and others that put in the hard work to put something like this on for people to enjoy and give to a great cause.

“Well, we’re hoping that it will be annual and I give for getting off the ground to my daughter.  She thought it up and she was determined it was going to go through and it did and there was a lot of work, a lot of planning, but boy in the last couple of weeks everybody fell into place and did their thing and it went really good.”

Those interested in donating money or food items to the ARC can call 370-0650.