Inuvik (Feb 14/05) - There was plenty of bread being passed around at the Inuvik Food Bank's first fundraiser.

Organizers say the Saturday night event raised nearly $4,000, almost double the amount of donations initially expected.

Maria Greenland, day employee at the Inuvik Food Bank, shows off some of the stacks of food the organization received recently from the Edmonton Food Bank. - Chris Hunsley/NNSL photo

"It went really, really well," said Joe Deveraux, food bank board member and one of the organizers of the fundraiser.

More than 200 town residents came out to the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex for the catered turkey dinner and entertainment.

"Two or three days before, we started to realize we needed more tables," said Deveraux, noting the high demand for tickets caught organizers by surprise.

"At one point I was even worried about having enough food."

There was plenty of food, however, and leftovers were donated to the local emergency shelter.

Even dessert managed to rake in the dough, as the auction of 20 homemade desserts raised an average $100 per dish, Deveraux said.

"It was fancier desserts, cheesecake and that kind of stuff," he said, noting that one black forest cake went for more than $300.

Along with a delicious meal, guests were treated to the musical talents of a half-dozen Inuvik volunteer acts, which combined for a three-hour concert.

"There was a pretty good array of music there," said performer Colleen Mitchell, who played a 25-minute set with bandmate Jamie Blanchard.

Since its inception, the food bank has relied almost entirely on corporate donations.

This influx of cash, along with a recent donation of 20 pallets of food from the Edmonton Food Bank, should will keep the shelves well-stocked for the next several months.

"The fact is, people need food supplements in their cupboards," said Miki O'Kane, who volunteered her time for kitchen duty and also performed a few numbers on stage Saturday night.

There was certainly no shortage of goodwill for the event. Canadian North and Aklak Air each donated a pair of plane tickets, while local organizations donated gift certificates and other door prizes for the event.

"They all jumped on board right away when they found out about the cause," Deveraux said.